James Goll

James Goll
Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 16th district
In office
January 5, 1981 – January 7, 1987
Preceded byWalter George
Succeeded byFrank Korshoj
Personal details
Born(1927-04-10)April 10, 1927
DiedDecember 4, 1992(1992-12-04) (aged 65)
PartyRepublican
Spouse
Doran Lorenz
​
(m. 1950)​
Children3 (James, Charles, Sarah)
EducationUniversity of Nebraska (B.S.)
OccupationPublic accountant, car dealer

James E. Goll (April 10, 1927 – December 4, 1992) was a Republican politician and car dealer from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 16th district from 1981 to 1987.

Early career

Goll was born in Tekamah, Nebraska, and graduated from Tekamah High School.[1] He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II, and was stationed on the Enterprise.[2] Goll later attended the University of Nebraska, receiving his bachelor's degree in accounting in 1950.[2] While a university student, Goll was a roommate and friend of future Congressman and Governor Charles Thone.[3] Goll owned Tekamah Motors, Inc., an automobile dealership,[4] and served on the Tekamah Board of Education following his election in 1957.[5]

Nebraska Legislature

In 1981, State Senator Walter George resigned, and Thone appointed Goll to serve out the remainder of George's term in the 16th district, which included Burt, Cuming, Thurston, and Washington counties.[3] Goll was sworn in on January 5, 1981.[6]

Goll ran for re-election in 1982, and was challenged by Shirley Schmidt, a Democratic Party activist and farmer, and Naomi Drummond, a member of the Thurston County Joint Planning Commission.[7] In the primary, Goll placed first by a wide margin, winning 50 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election against Schmidt,[8] who narrowly placed second with 26 percent of the vote to Brummond's 23 percent.[9] Goll defeated Schmidt in a landslide, winning 59–41 percent.[9]

In 1986, Goll declined to seek re-election to a second full term.[10]

Death

Goll died on December 4, 1992.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Sasso, Lois A., ed. (1985). Nebraska Blue Book 1984-85 (PDF). Clerk of the Nebraska Legislature. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "Auto Dealer James Goll Of Tekamah Dies at 65". Omaha World-Herald. December 6, 1992. p. 34. Retrieved March 25, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 Fogarty, Thomas A. (January 6, 1981). "James Goll appointed to fill 16th District seat". Lincoln Journal. p. 5. Retrieved March 25, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ "Auto Dealer Gets Legislature Seat". Omaha World-Herald. January 6, 1981. p. 21. Retrieved March 25, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ "Citizens' Party Tekamah Winner". Fremont Tribune. April 3, 1957. p. 2. Retrieved March 25, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ O'Donnell, Patrick J., ed. (1981). Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska: Eighty-Sixth Legislature, Second Session (PDF). Vol. 1. p. 5-6. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  7. ↑ Hron, Frederic J. (May 8, 1982). "District 16: Two farm wives, auto dealer share political motivations". Fremont Tribune. p. 3. Retrieved March 25, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ↑ Real, Tammy (October 28, 1982). "Dist. 16 Unicameral candidates tout personal qualities". Fremont Tribune. p. 3. Retrieved March 25, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1982). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 11, 1982, General Election, November 2, 1982 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  10. ↑ Stern, Gabriella (January 13, 1986). "Senators Face Dilemma on Re-election". Omaha World-Herald. p. 14. Retrieved March 25, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.