James G. Couton

James G. Couton, 88, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, at Howard County Medical Center.

Family will greet friends from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul.  Burial will be in the Austin Cemetery in Rockville.  Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.  

James was born on July 4, 1937, in Sherman County, Nebraska, to William Couton and Hazel (Stonehocker) Couton. He was raised in rural Sherman County and attended a country school, where he developed the strong work ethic and values that shaped his life.

In 1960, James married the love of his life, Jeanette Hansen, in Nysted, Nebraska. Together they built a life rooted in family, community, and the land. James farmed in Sherman County through the late 1990s, taking great pride in his work and the generations of farming traditions he upheld.  He was president of Flying Farmers and Ranchers International Program in 1977.

After retiring, Jim and Jeanette moved to Gilmer, Texas, where they enjoyed their time together until Jeanette’s passing on January 18, 2006. Following her death, Jim returned to his hometown of St. Paul, Nebraska, where he found joy and comfort among family and friends.

Jim was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends, especially his grandson. He valued lifelong friendships and took great pleasure in his airplane, reflecting his adventurous spirit and love of flight.

James Couton was ordained to the office of Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on August 9, 2015.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanette Couton; his son, Jeffery Couton; an infant son; sister: Ardell Thompson; and his parents, William and Hazel Couton.

He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Couton of Lincoln; daughter-in-law, Esther Couton Fenton of Greeley; grandson, Justin Allen Couton of Missouri; granddaughter, Emily Couton of Alaska; and his sister, Shirley Walrath of Loup City. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his St. Paul friends and Card Club, whose companionship and friendship meant so much to Jim.

James G. Couton will be remembered for his quiet strength, dedication to family, love of farming, appreciation for friendship, and his enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.