James Bissonette

View Funeral Webcast

Broken Bow, NE – James Bissonette age 34, of Broken Bow died September 23, 2021, at the Bryan LGH East Hospital in Lincoln.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 10:00 AM at the Evangelical Free Church in Broken Bow with Pastor Tim Peterson officiating.  Burial with Firefighters Honors will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary and the family will greet friends Wednesday evening  5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Broken Bow Fire Department.  Memorials for the Bissonette family can be made to BBVFD noting "Bissonette Family" in the memo line. Memorials can be sent to: BBVFD 1848 South G Street Broken Bow, NE   68822 or dropped off at Great Western Bank in Broken Bow.  Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.  The funeral services will be livestreamed at www.govierbrothers.com, and online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com 

He was born to Craig and Teresa (Brimberry) Bissonette on April 1, 1987, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he was a young child, he came to Merna, Nebraska to live with his Great Aunt and Uncle, Gay and Ron Knerl, who he lovingly called Grandma and Grandpa. 

James grew up in Merna, Nebraska and attended Anselmo Merna High School. Following graduation, he enrolled at Mid Plains Community College where he studied Automotive Technology. In high school he met Michaela Nelson. The young couple represented the true meaning of high school sweethearts. Michaela became his wife in 2011 after dating for 7 years. The two were married for 10 years and had 2 children, Ella (5) and Jack (2). 

In James’s short 34 years he created a life to be proud of, one which he fought to live exactly how he wanted - fiercely loving his family, diligently working hard, and attentively caring for his kids. Not only was James the best family man, but also the friend everyone loved to have. He boldly advised “what needs done,” insisted on helping wherever he could, and carefully slowed down for good conversation around a summer campfire. His smile could light up a room and his playful sense of humor could leave you with a laughing-induced side ache. He held firm to his values, didn’t do anything that he didn’t believe was right, and did everything true to his word. He lived each day as its own. 

In recent years he became passionate about volunteering his time with the Broken Bow Fire Department. He also loved driving the ambulance for the EMS crews. He spent a lot of time trying to perfect putting on his gear quickly, taking the kids with him to fill the pop fridge at the station, and learning everything about the new ladder truck. 

His life ended too soon, but we find comfort knowing that he is in God’s hands. His wife, children, friends, and family now have the biggest angel watching over them. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” James left this world a hero by donating his organs to help save others. 

James is survived by his wife, Michaela Bissonette of Broken Bow; daughter, Ella Bissonette; son, Jack Bissonette; in-laws, Don and Christina Nelson of Berwyn; brother-in-law Cody Nelson of Berwyn; great uncle (Grandpa) Ron Knerl of Merna; mother, Teresa Bissonette of Burnsville, Minnesota; brother, Joshua Nickman of Burnsville, Minnesota; Clifford and Jeri Sterner of Merna; grandpa, Vern Bissonette of Burnsville, Minnesota, and grandmother Peggy Frey of Washington.

James is preceded in death by his great aunt (Grandma), Gay Knerl and father, Craig Bissonette.