James Hougas

James E. Hougas

Passed away peacefully at home on Friday September 11, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.

Born at home on Armstrong Street in Morris on July 12, 1932, Jim was a son of Adlai and Cecelia Hilton-Hougas. Jim served in the US Army Paratrooper Division from 1950-1954 as a gunman in the Korean War. During his service he was cited with the Korean Service Metal, 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Metal, the ROK Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Metal and Combat Infantry Badge. After being honorably discharged, Jim married Barbara Ann Diederich in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris on August 4th, 1956. He worked at the Aurora news Agency from 1954-1967 and from 1970-1973, and farmed with his Father-in-Law, whom he loved dearly, in Riceville, IA from 1967 to 1970. Jim then gained employment with Nettle Creek School District from 1973 to 1987, and later worked for Morris Construction Company and "D" Construction until his retirement in 2001. In his retirement Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, telling stories of his life experiences, and doing his puzzles. Jim was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, Past Commander and Color Guard Flag bearer for the American Legion Post 294, Member of the F.O.E. Aerie 1024, V.F.W. Post 6049, Sons of Norway and Teamsters Union Local 179. Jim will also be remembered for being an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Survivors include six children: James E. (Barb) Hougas, Jr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, John (Kelly) Hougas of Morris, Mary (Keith) Pokarney of Dwight, Barbara (Jason) Semlar of Morris, Thomas (Carol) Hougas of Seneca and Catherine (Bryan) Jones of Peru; (18) grandchildren: James E. (Annie) Hougas, III, Katherine Hougas, Elizabeth Hougas, Robert Hougas, Brant (Heather) Hougas, Seth Hougas, Heath Hougas, Kristina (Mike) Mondelli, Kimberly Pokarney, Kate (Matt) Brickman, Eric Strait, Diane Strait, Jessica Strait, Tyler Semlar, Daniel Hougas, Miranda Hougas, Matthew Hougas and Nicholas Jones; one great granddaughter Giana Mondelli; one brother-in-law Milton "Mutt" Wharrie of Coal City; one sister-in-law Faye Hougas of Ada, Oklahoma and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; 11 siblings, son Joe in 1982 and wife Barbara in 2005.

Visitation will be held on Monday September 14, 2009 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block East of Illinois Route 47) in Morris. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday September 15th at 10:00AM in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated with Rev. Ronald Hart officiating.

Burial with full military honors provided by the Morris Color Guard will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Morris.

Acting Pallbearers are James E. Hougas, III, Robert Hougas, Brant Hougas, Seth Hougas, Heath Hougas, Daniel Hougas and Matthew Hougas. Jim's other grandchildren will be Honorary Pallbearers.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jim's memory to: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Building Fund, 516 East Jackson Street, Morris, Illinois 60450 or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815/942-2500)