BENKELMAN - James Cloyd Earnest, 43, died Saturday (June 9, 2007) at Benkelman Hospital. 

He was born July 16, 1963, to James G. and Bev L. (Sailors) Earnest at Cambridge. He attended Stratton Public Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade and graduated in 1981.  After graduation, he attended Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte studying autobody.

He was active in scouting and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. 

He worked for Art Hawkinson Construction and assisted in bringing cable TV to Stratton.  On July 22, 1988, he was married to Kristine Boucher in Salina, Kan.  They moved to North Platte where he served as the manager of the Spaceport Video Arcade. 

They moved to Grand Island where he worked for Nebraska Fire and Safety.  In 1992, they returned to Stratton where he owned and operated Kris's Kitchen and Flossye's Café.  After selling the two businesses he went back into construction. 

He was preceeded in death by his father, James G., in 2004 and grandparents, George and Flossye Earnest and Reverend and Mrs. C.A. Sailors. 

Survivors include his wife, Kristine of Benkelman; children, Adam, Elizabeth and Rebecca at home; his mother, Bev Earnest of Stratton; sisters, Jeanie Earnest and Joy and husband, Bob Funk of Culbertson; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends. 

Funeral services are Wednesday at 11 a.m. (MT) at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. George Matthews officiating. Burial will be in the Bird City Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 3 -7 p.m. at the Forch Funeral Home in Benkelman. 

Memorials may be given in his name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.