James M. Cissell

James “Jim” Maurice Cissell, 77, of Cozad, NE passed away July 2, 2015 in his home, surrounded by his family. With Jim’s passing, the New Orleans Saints lost their greatest fan. James was born April 9, 1938 in Louisville, Kentucky to Noel David Sr. and Evelyn Ann (Lyons) Cissell. Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1957 in Kentucky. After a tour of duty in Alaska, he was stationed at the Lincoln, Nebraska Air Force Base where he met the love of his life, Jean Marie Budd. Jim and Jean married in Cozad, Nebraska at Christ the King Catholic Church on April 27, 1960. After his marriage, he served tours of duty in Greenland, Southeast Asia, and Germany. Jim retired from the military to Cozad, NE in 1977, at which time Jim and Jean purchased The Dairy Sweet and later, their home. In addition to their restaurant, during his time in Cozad, Jim was employed by The Diagnostic Center and Monroe’s. He also worked as a painting and wallcovering contractor and an exterminator. Jim was a very loyal, and committed family man. There was nothing Jim loved more than being surrounded by his family. He loved a good debate and spending time around the dining room table, where his greatest debates with his children and grandchildren took place, won’t be the same without him. After the closing of The Dairy Sweet, Jim kept the “slushie” machine from the restaurant stored in his garage. His favorite summer past time was sitting under his tree and giving away “slushies” to the town kids. He became known to them as the “Slushie Man.” Jim loved to talk, and would argue, “pro” or “con” to any topic presented. He regaled family, friends and strangers alike with his military stories. Jim always did what he needed for his family and others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Jim is survived by his wife, Jean; sons, James (Dorothy) of Missoula, MT, Jerry (Beatrice) of Littleton, CO, and Joseph (Tammie) of Palmer, NE; daughter, Tina (Dean) Winchell of Harvard, NE; siblings, Tommy Cissell, Joyce Ann (Sonny) Crenshaw, Gail Dickenson, Noel Jr. (Donna) Cissell and brother-in-law Charlie Peck, all of Kentucky; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Dean, his parents, a sister, a brother-in-law, and a sister-in-law.Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Pampara as celebrant. Inurnment to follow at Cozad Cemetery with full military honors. Jim was a down-to-earth, country boy, and in his honor, the family requests casual attire. Memorials are suggested to Central Plains Hospice of Cozad or Disabled American Veterans of Lexington. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.