Jim was born March 1st, 1939 in Lovilia, Iowa to Reed and Lucille Narber. Moved to Cambia, Iowa in 1946. In 1949, Jim moved to Chariton, Iowa and attended the Chariton High School for two- and one-half years. He then attended Sioux valley Minnesota High School and graduated in 1957.
Jim entered the United States Navy (Seabees) on November 8th, 1961. Jim did construction work in eight different countries; Puerto Rico, Island of Culebra, Greece, Naples Italy, Sicily Spain, Antarctica, and Newfoundland. He was honorably discharged on March 8th, 1966 as an E-5 Second Class Petty Officer.
After military service, Jim worked for Shriver Construction of Jefferson, Iowa as project superintendent—overseeing the construction of motels, restaurants, clinics, and apartment housing.
He then moved to Grand Island, Nebraska to work for Chief Construction as a project manager of the construction division.
In 1983, Jim started his own construction company—Jim Narber Inc. a Construction & Development Company and in 1968 he bought the Floor to Ceiling Store, Interior Design Center. Jim still has both companies. As of 2024, Jim still works every day at the age of 85 years old. “It’s the Journey, Not the Destination.”
Jim has been married to his wife Donna for 63 years. They have 4 children; Conn, Shannon, Heidi, and Tiffany. They have 12 grandchildren and soon to be expecting a great grandson.
Jim designed and built the 2nd Freedom Rock Display and pergola cover in Nebraska. The freedom rock is located at the Grand Island Vets Club. The Rock was painted by artist Bubba Sorensen of Iowa.
