He was born on September 9, 1936 to David H. and Bernice (McGowan) Broadwell. He attended District 17 country school and York High School. James and Beverly Donoho were married on July 28, 1956 at the First Christian Church in York.
James spent his life farming with his family until his retirement from farming in 1980. He then drove a gravel truck for York County until 1990 when he had a massive heart attack resulting in having a heart transplant. James spent many years participating in tractor pulling and collecting toy tractors and other toy farm machinery. When his health began to decline and he could no longer actively tractor pull, he still liked to watch and keep in touch with other pullers. James has always had a love for classic country music, enjoyed watching football on television and spent many years camping with his family. Time spent with his family has been very important to him and he has especially loved spending time with his great-grandsons.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Beverly, of York; two daughters, Rhonda (John) Bills of Lincoln and Nancy (Jerry) Martenson of Kearney; son, Grant (Dee) Broadwell of Safford, Ariz.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Derek) Klute of Hampton, Lesley Blum and fiancé Chance Bergen of Plainview, Texas, Brittney Blum of Lincoln, Terrance Broadwell of Saronville, Tyler, Jacob and Katelyn Martenson, Kearney; and great-grandsons Evan James Pankoke of Hampton and Cash Bergen of Plainview. Also surviving are brothers, Roger (LaVonne) Broadwell of Nebraska and Arizona and John (Maxine) Broadwell of Grand Island; sister-in-law Darlene Broadwell of York; nine nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; son David Scott; one granddaughter; three sisters; and one brother.
No formal services will be held. Memorial visitation, with family present, will be held 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, February, 20, 2011 at Metz Mortuary. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Tabitha Hospice.