Jimboy Obituary (1944

James Henry "Jim Boy" Coogan, 78, of Mt. Pulaski passed away on March 6th, at Memorial Hospital, Springfield, IL. as the result of infirmities suffered in a car crash. Jimboy, as he was more regularly known, was a gregarious, outspoken, and independent character. He operated Coogan's Food Locker in Mt. Pulaski right up until the day an unlucky individual from the USDA offered some operational tips, whereupon the agent got to hear Jimboy's opinion on the matter, and Jimboy locked the door for good the next morning. He then moved to the excavation/demolition field, and in his vocation displayed skill verging on art, interspersed with moments that defied the laws of physics. This occupation allowed him to start a collection of local historic artifacts, each with a story he would happily share. The Coogan's excavating backhoe saw regular duty in local tractor cruises, namesake at the helm. Jimboy was a card player, or at least a card enthusiast, and would often travel great distances to engage in this pastime with a core group of pals. He was quick to share an opinion, and it was the rare listener left wondering what his thoughts were on a particular matter. His bracing candor and commentary on a wide variety of topics was known by almost anyone he ever met. He was outgoing and expressive, and he never met a stranger. James was born May 19, 1944, in Lincoln, IL. He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years: Judith Ann, and a grandson: Caleb Coogan. He is survived by his children: J.C. (Joyce) Coogan of Mt. Pulaski, and Teena (Doug) Lowery of Mt. Pulaski. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Cady Lowery, Michael Lowery, and Claire Coogan. A memorial visitation for Jimboy will be held from 4:00 to 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 15th at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Mt. Pulaski. A private family urn burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Caleb Coogan Memorial Fund.