A Memorial Service with Air Force Honors for James C. Blincow will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Mike Szekely officiating. An inurnment will be held at a later date at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Nebraska.
James C. Blincow, 78 years of age, of Bertrand, Nebraska, died on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. James was born on November 28, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, and adopted at the age of 8 years old, by William “Bill” and Alda (Pearson) Blincow. He received his primary education from the Hard Scrabble District #51 Country School near Oxford, and then attended and graduated from Oxford High School, with the class of 1964. Many memories were shared with cousins while growing up in the Oxford area.
Following graduation, James enlisted into the Army National Guard. He enlisted and served in Panama, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and during the Vietnam Conflict and was later honorably discharged from the Army. James reenlisted with the United States Air Force and honorably served for many periods of active duty spanning 22 ½ years. He retired as Master Sargent, from the United States Air Force Reserves. He was awarded many ribbons and medals, including: the Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal with two devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
On May 14, 1967, James was united in marriage to Helen K. Coakley in Oxford. James pursued higher education and received training for Heating, Air, Refrigeration, and Plumbing from the Curtis School of Technology. During this time the couple were blessed with two children: Angela and James A. The family made their home in Bertrand. Together the family enjoyed vacations and holidays together.
Following graduation from college, James worked for Carlson Plumbing and Heating in Bertrand, and later owned and operated the business, and then worked for Tri-County as a Ditch Rider for many years. James also worked independently as a Plumber and in HVAC.
In his free time, James enjoyed cars, motorcycles, collecting guns, and working on home improvement projects and around the house. Most of all, James loved the Air Force.
He was a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Loomis and the Bertrand Fire Department for over 20 years.
James was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Blue and husband, Curtis; brother, Stanley Blincow; and sister-in-law, Lila Snyder.
James is survived by his wife, Helen Blincow of Bertrand; his children: Angela York and her husband, Richard of Lincoln, Nebraska; and James A. Blincow and his wife, Shannon of Holdrege; seven grandchildren: Ian (Alisha), Erica, and Noah York; and Branden , Jared (Jylissa), Cristian, and Lauryn Blincow; three great-grandchildren: Sean York; Damon Blincow; and Clayton Griffith; with an additional, on the way; sister, Gloria Borgman and husband, Ronald of South Dakota; brother, Anthony Ballain of Holdrege; sisters-in-law: Velma Loose of Holdrege; and Susan Blincow of Hastings; brother-in-law, James Snyder of Arizona; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
There will not be a visitation, viewing, or memorial book signing the evening prior to the memorial service. The family will honor his wish for cremation.
A memorial has been established in James’ honor and is kindly suggested to the family for a future designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements
