James Runions

By CAROL MEYERS
Hub Regional Correspondent

MINDEN - Jim Runions of Minden's Coast-to-Coast True Value Hardware store believes service to his customers is the most important aspect of his business.

"Helping people is part of the business," he said.

Service to his community is also extremely important to Runions.

For his efforts to serve his customers and community, Runions receives the Freedom Award in the Business/Industry Category.

In one of several nomination letters, Mary Yant of Minden said, "Jim Runions - what a blessing to many people in our community. Jim has been a businessman in our community since 1976 at Coast-to-Coast, True Value, going the extra mile for all customers - from nuts to bolts to lawn mowers, keeping our town prospering. He is an asset to our community, from businessman to helping hand."

Yant added, "What a blessing to have a friend and businessman like this in our community."

Runions, 60, is a Kansas City, Mo., native and has lived in Minden since 1975. In 1976, Runions and his wife, Judy, bought the hardware store they still operate on the north side of the courthouse square in downtown Minden.

For his previous job prior to moving to Minden, Runions traveled all but three days a month as a district manager for Coast to Coast. He thought the business in Minden would be an opportunity to stay home and work with his wife. The Runions have three children: Stephanie, James Lee and Bill.

Runions does not think the business has changed much over the years.

"The busiest time used to be Christmas, but now we are pretty busy most of the time. Spring is almost busier now as people do yard work," he said.

He thinks working with his wife and other people is the most enjoyable aspect of his business, and the many hours required in running the business probably is the most difficult.

Runions said the couple have just changed the supplier for their store from True Value to Hardware Hank.

Runions also serves Minden as a member of the Minden Volunteer Fire Department and as an emergency medical technician. He is active in the Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Heartwell Veterans of Foreign Wars and has served on various community boards.

Many people recommended Runions for the Freedom Award.

Ben Morey, executive director of the Minden Opera House, said, "Jim has and continues to promote Minden with energy and gusto" by telling salesmen and out-of-town customers of the various sights of Minden, such as Harold Warp Pioneer Village and the Minden Opera House.

Morey said Runions has helped with the city's annual "Light of the World" Christmas pageant and cleans snow and ice from behind the Opera House in bad weather without being asked.

"He simply does things for the heart," Morey said.

Runions' help and friendship have helped Jeff Krull, who has muscular dystrophy.

"Jim Runions is much more that a friend to me. He is also an important part of my life and the lives of all he meets," Krull said. "He is a vibrant member of our community, one that you can always count on to have a joke or a smile for you. I know that my life has been greatly improved by Jim, going places I would not have been able to go, and doing things I would not otherwise have been able to do."

Sydney Phillips, 9, whose parents, Don and Joy, own Joy's Floral and Gifts Inc. on the same block as Runions' store, said, "Jim Runions is a really nice guy. He piles snow up so we have a place to sled, and he always gives me big hugs when I go into his shop."

e-mail to:

tammy.skrdlant@kearneyhub.com