James C Ferguson

James C. Ferguson “Jim”, 77, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Jennie Melham Medical Center, with his wife of 59+ years at his side. Jim was born October 27, 1932 to Albert and Zelma (Staab) Ferguson at Berwyn, NE. He grew up in the Happy Hollow community where he attended several different grade schools. He attend Ansley High School, graduating with the class of 1950. He excelled in each sport he participated in. A highlight was playing shortstop on the 1948 State Championship Baseball Team. It was during high school that he met the love of his life, Bonnie Moody. They were married September 10, 1950 and to this union were born 4 children: Mike, Rick, Jerry, and Denise. Jim worked for the NE Central Telephone Company from 1950 until his retirement due to health issues. During these years they lived in Arcadia, Gibbon, and Ansley. He loved his job, the people he worked for and with, and the people it put him in contact with. While still working for the telephone company, God got a hold of his heart and led him to NE Christian College. He went to college in Norfolk during the week, worked for NCTC on Saturday, and preached at the Ansley Christian Church on Sunday. He tried his hand at teaching for one year but determined his calling was the church and phone company. Jim loved his God and it was his desire to win everyone he loved (which was everyone he met) to the Lord. Over the years he filled the pulpit at Ansley, Liberty Chapel, Miller, Litchfield, Burwell, Broken Bow and Arnold. We’re sure there are many in heaven today singing “Thank You, Jim, for giving to the Lord”. He LOVED to fish! Boats were known to ‘follow’ him around the lake. He loved his family—they were his pride and joy! His favorite times were with his wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all. We truly cherish the memories! He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law; a sister, Helen Bergman; and a brother, Claris Ferguson. Survivors include his wife Bonnie Ferguson of Ansley, NE; 3 sons: Mike and wife Collette of Ansley, NE; Rick and wife Kay of Grand Island, NE; Jerry and wife Lori of Holdrege, NE; a daughter Denise and husband Steve of Libby, MT; grandchildren Jamee (Steve) Smith, Chad (Kelly) Ferguson, Melissa (Brandon) Howland, Tiffany (Raymonn) Adams, Kyle (Lori) Ferguson, Chelsea (Matt) Atchison, Nick Ferguson, Jared Schnackenberg, James Schnackenberg, and Jason Schnackenberg; and 7 great-grandchildren: Michael, Alyssa, Myles, Prayse, Dax, Garittee, and Brookelyn. Services will be Monday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Church in Ansley, with burial at the Ansley Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Christian Church in Ansley.