James "JC" Christopher

James (Cougias) Christopher “JC” of McCook passed away Sunday, May 12, 2013 at Hillcrest Nursing Home. He was 83 years old.

JC was born March 13, 1930 in Gary Indiana to parents James and Nancy (Dencavage) Cougias Sr. He graduated from Frobbel High School, Gary IN, in 1948, then joined the Army and was in the Tank Corp. for one year and the Reserves for five years. (He wasn’t called to go to Korea even though most of his group went). He received his Masters Degree from Indiana University in 1955 and went on to teach Government and Economics at Horace Mann High School in Gary.

JC was united in marriage to Nancy Ann Medlen in Gary, Indiana. To this union a daughter, Betty Ann was born. After teaching for 18 years, JC moved to Honolulu, HI in 1978 and managed condominiums for 10 years before retiring to the Big Island (Hawaii).

In January, 2009, JC moved to southwest Nebraska and the McCook community to be closer to his daughter.

JC enjoyed collecting sea shells, snorkeling, watching sports, reading and spending time with his grandchildren and the people in southwest Nebraska.

Proceeding him in death were his parents, James and Nancy Cougias; and wife, Nancy Ann.

Survivors include his daughter Betty and husband, Scott Golding of Stratton; three grandchildren: Amy Harvey and family of Sioux City, IA, Matt Golding and family of
Woodbridge, VA, Cara Golding and family of Navarre, FL and 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Gust Cougias and wife, Elsie of Lecanto, FL; two sisters, Irene Nolan of LaPorte, IN, and Lula Drake of Hobart, IN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given to the McCook Public Library.

At Jim’s request, he will be cremated and taken back to Hawaii. There will be no local service.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.