Johnny Cortinas

Johnny J. Cortinas, 64, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 15, 2024, at Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. Husker attire is welcome. Viewing will be held for one hour prior to service time at the funeral parlor. Cremation will follow the service and a private family graveside committal will be held at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery near Scottsbluff. Memorials may be made to DaVita Scottsbluff Dialysis Center or Tri-City Roadrunner. The funeral will be live-streamed and recorded to Johnny’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Johnny was born August 18, 1959, in Tulia, Texas to Joe and Eugenia (Luna) Cortinas. He graduated from Mitchell High School.

He married Juanita Klasset and became a father to his only son, Daniel Cortinas. The couple later divorced. Johnny met Janice (Betz) Avila and they were wed on December 31, 2008. They made their home together in Scottsbluff. Johnny welcomed three stepdaughters into his life: Nikki, Amy, and Becky.

Johnny made a living working as a custodian. He became the best in the area for the upkeep and cleanliness of large facilities such as Mitchell High School where he worked for eleven years. Johnny then advanced to Regional West Medical Center where he was employed for 23 years and earned the head position of housekeeping supervisor. He also worked in the janitorial department of St. Agnes School for a few years.

Everyone who knew Johnny knew he was a loyal Husker fan and he looked forward to cheering them on each football season. Another sport he enjoyed watching was WWE wrestling and he liked going bowling with his best friend, Lee Hall. Johnny’s passion for sports continued as he proudly followed his grandchildren to their sporting activities all over the Panhandle. He relaxed while watching his TV shows, old western movies, or sometimes while going for a long drive and sightseeing. He was always excited for cookouts with family and great food. His favorite dishes included menudo and steak, washed down with a shot of tequila or an ice-cold margarita! Johnny enjoyed his life and all the people in it. He rarely missed an opportunity to tease those special people and add a smile to their day.

Survivors include his loving wife, Jan Cortinas; stepdaughters, Nikki (Willie) Schwartzkopf, Amy (Nahum) Winder, and Becky Avila (Andrew Kelley); son, Daniel Cortinas; brothers, George Cortinas and Pete Cortinas; sister, Anna Barragan; grandchildren, Zeus, Zena, Seras, Victoria, Brittany, Chris, Mariyah, Emma, Jaxen, Xazavian, and Mila; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Eugenia; brother, Domacio; sister, Elida; and nephew, Carlos Chavez.