James A. “Jim” County, age 77, of Crete, passed away peacefully Dec. 25, 2023, at his home. He was born July 30, 1946, in Warrenton, Virginia, to Vura Irene Squier and Sidney Lester County.
Jim graduated from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the class of 1964. After graduation, while serving in the Army, he was stationed at the Nike Missile Base East of Crete, which is how he met his wife, Karmen Kohel. They were married Jan. 9, 1967, in Colorado Springs Colorado. Jim then served in the Army in Korea for a time. He was honorably discharged and returned to Crete to join Karmen, start their family and have made Crete their home ever since. To that union, two sons, Jeff and Chad were born.
After the service in 1968, Jim began working at the Crete Mills in the lab department testing grain samples. He retired 50 years later.
Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, taking trips to Colorado for family reunions and gatherings. He loved golfing in his free time, loving on their cat, Sam, and his sports, especially the Broncos football team.
He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karmen; sons, Jeff of Loveland, Colorado, and Chad of Crete; grandson, Caleb of Loveland, Colorado; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Jim) Marrs, Elen (Aaron) Gorrell, Sid (Linda) County and Alan (Alicia) County and their families, all of Colorado.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sydra County; brother, Thomas “Tom” and his wife Karen County; mother- and father-in-law, Geraldine and Lumir Kohel; brothers-in-law, David and Kenny Kohel
A graveside service was Jan. 3 at Riverside Cemetery in Crete. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
