James Coatney ‘J.C.’ Boroughs

J.C. BoroughsJ.C. Boroughs

Surrounded by his wife and children, James Coatney ‘J.C.' Boroughs, 87 of Billings, died of natural causes on Thursday, October 26, 2006. J.C. was born in Saltillo, Tennessee on March 27, 1919 to John and Sarah (Coatney) Boroughs. He was raised in Missouri, and later met and married his wife Gloria Carroll in Westlake, Louisiana. They were married on December 16, 1939. He went to work for Continental Oil Company, stopping for a period of time to serve his country in the Army during World War II. He returned from his service to a promotion at his job.

J.C. moved his family to Billings in 1949 to go work for the new CONOCO Refinery, where he was employed for over 40 years. He was one of the pioneer operators dubbed the "49ers", who started up the Billings Refinery. J.C. opened the valve to begin the oil flowing on October 31, 1949. He retired in 1979, and spent many years residing first in Yellville, Arkansas and later in Brackettville, Texas. Due to declining health, J.C. and Gloria returned to Billings in 1996 to finish out their retirement years.

J.C. was a dedicated family man, and leaves behind his wife Gloria and five children; Jim Boroughs of Denver, Karen (Ray) Carl of Laurel, Sharon (Alton) Anderson, Nina (Larry) Sheneman and Paul (Virginia) Boroughs, all of Billings. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings.

Dad, you were a strong figure in the lives of your family and friends; you will be sorely missed.

The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff of Highgate Senior Living for the kind and diligent care they provided to our husband and father.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave, Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102, or to the local Alzheimer's Association.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Thursday, November 2, 2006 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings.