James M. Mortensen, 60, died Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at his home in Blair. Funeral services were Monday, May 10, at Campbell-Aman Funeral Home. Military graveside services were held in the Blair Cemetery with the Herman American Legion Jackson-Peck Post No. 274 in charge.

James Merle Mortensen was born June 11, 1943, in Blair to Albert T. and Anna (Nelson) Jensen. After his mother died giving birth to him, he was raised by her sister and brother-in-law, Cora and Robert Mortensen.

He graduated from North High School in 1961, then served in the Marine Corps. After returning from military duty, he served as Police Captain in Norfolk. He moved to California, where he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, earning the rank of Sergeant. After his retirement, he returned to Blair in 2000.

He is survived by his son, James Robert Mortensen of Saugus, Calif.; brothers, Harold Jensen of Blair; Robert Jensen of Solvang, Calif.; sisters, Phyllis (Mrs. Bruce) Coryell of Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Corinne Anderson of Woodville, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Herman American Legion, PO Box 196, Herman, NE 68029.