James Costello Sr.

James Francis Costello Sr., 76, of Dallas died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009.

Jim was born Nov. 14, 1932. He grew up in Schuyler and played in bands while still in high school, going from city to city. His favorite instrument was the saxophone and he loved playing in the “Big Bands” and even played some polka. He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was fortunate to be chosen to play in the Army band stationed in Japan. Jim moved to Nicaragua where he met his wife, Norma. They enjoyed farming and bringing new rice growing technology to Jim’s adopted country.

The family flourished until the Sandinista Revolution and returned to Nebraska. Jim and his family eventually moved to Dallas where Jim became busy in many ventures. Jim Jr. started a real estate company and Jim joined his son’s firm. He quickly became sought after by the Hispanic community due to his reputation as being fair and honest.

Jim Costello was a man of great love for his family and friends. He will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Allan, Gregg, Jim Jr. and John; daughters, Celina and Elizabeth; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jo Olmstead of Fremont, Margaret Ann Costello of San Francisco, Patricia Fleet of Seattle and Cathy Unger of Henderson, Nev.; and a brother, Bill Costello of Fremont.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; parents, James Riley and Elizabeth Costello; a brother, Marty; and a sister, Judy.

The funeral will be noon Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Dallas.