James G. Denny

Local Missionary Pastor Dies, January 28, 2016 in McCook, NE.

James G. Denny, son of William and Florence Denny was born in Fairport, New York, July 13th, 1925.

Jim and his family later moved into the Rochester, New York area where he completed his high school education. Jim then became active in the National Guard.  During the year 1943, Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corp which took him into many areas of active service within the USA as a gunnery instructor.

Jim later graduated from Franklin College in Indiana, married Norma Raker of Rising Sun, Indiana and began his career as an American Baptist Missionary.  Upon his completion and graduation from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York, Jim spent time working at a Christian Center in Weirton, West Virginia and Hammond, Indiana.  This led to Jim’s wonderful experiences with the Hopi, Native People in Northern Arizona where many lived high upon the Mesas.

In the year 1963, Jim and Norma, and their two children, moved to Oklahoma to begin a ministry at the Anadarko Christian Center.  They worked with the youth of the community helping to build a gymnasium and leading other missionaries and lay people, giving leadership to nine Native American Baptist Churches.

The good years as a missionary and pastor continued as Jim began leadership here in McCook, NE. Jim began pastoring the First Baptist Church in 1989, retiring in 1995.  After retiring, Jim continued to be active in the church and community while at the same time traveling, raising a garden and entertaining in his home. Jim so appreciated the youth and children of the congregation and helped to provide ways of drama and music for them to be involved with.  Summer camps at Camp Merrell Moses here in Nebraska were a special time.

Proceeding Jim in death were his father and mother; sister, Ginny and husband, Al Johnson; as well as special uncles and aunts.

Jim loved his family so very much, as he expressed love and concern for them when they came to visit.

Jim is survived by his wife, Norma of the home; two children, son Mark and wife, Judy Denny of Lawrence, KS and daughter, Sandra and husband, Clyde Robertson of Verden, OK; three grandchildren and their husbands of Chickasha, OK and Kansas, Jenny and David Hobbs, Jen and Drew Diedel, and Kristina and Dan Sink; and great grandchildren Riley, Alyssa, Erick and Hayden of Chickasha, OK and Isaac of Kansas City, KS.

A private Celebration of Life was held February 1, 2016 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with the Rev. Clark Bates, a family friend and Pastor of McCook Christian Church, assisting in a time of worship.

Burial followed the private service in Memorial Park Cemetery.  As Roses were laid upon the casket, a light snow fell, giving peace and assurance that all was well.

Thank you Lord for helping Jim to fulfill his promise to God that he would “Go into all the world, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”