James W. Aten

James W. Aten passed into the arms of Jesus on August 27, 2024 in Freeport, IL. Born November 9, 1931 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Harry and Gladys Aten; he was the second youngest of seven siblings all of whom predeceased Jim. In his youth he enjoyed competing with his three brothers and the neighborhood gang in everything from baseball, ice skating, swimming, pole vault, to kick-the-can. Jim was proud of his alma mater Thomas Jefferson High School (T.J.) where he was on the wrestling and track teams and an excellent student. He has missed the love of his life Rosie (Nuzum) whom he adored for fifty seven years until her passing in 2008. In the Navy, during the Korean War, Jim was a Petty Officer 2 learning about early computers the size of which would fill an entire room. Jim worked at Crum and Forster Insurance Co. when he moved to Freeport in 1955, then State Bank of Freeport and retired from the U.S. Bank as an Information Service Officer. He helped convert data processing systems in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and for over 25 banks in Illinois.

An active member of the First United Methodist Church of Freeport since 1955; he served on boards, committees and duties when the church requested them. He was a model of great faith to his family. Always a community advocate, other affiliations included AMVETS and Golden K Kiwanis Club. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Golden Meals, Senior Center, School District #145, Pretzel City USA, Quarry Days, VOICES, and as a Salvation Army bell-ringer. In his younger days he was a Little League coach, Scout leader, and umpire, fast/slow pitch softball player, volleyballer, and taught adult and high school Sunday School. But Jim's greatest 'love' was tennis which he played for over forty years. Dad's 'claim to fame' was his portrayal of Freeport's 'founder' Mr. Tutty Baker and Pretzel Bill in the Freeport parades including a spot as the mascot on national television. Dad had a special fondness and respect for the Native American community and sponsored a child annually.

Family gatherings were his favorite times and he always contributed group puzzles, riddles, and trivia so he could observe the many squabbles. He instilled a sense of learning in his word plays and dictionary games. We are forever grateful for his great strength, sense of humor, faith, honesty, and integrity; a wonderful role model for us all.

Jim is survived by his five children: Pamela (James) RIchards, Scot (Katie) Aten, John (Vicki) Aten, Christina (Greg) Simons, Tara (Rob) Crow; nine grandchildren, Renee (Arthur) Ariesen, Sean (Alicja) Richards, Adam (Paula) Aten, Kyle (Cari) SImons, Kerri (Jeremy) Pease, Brandon (Monica) Aten, Heather Aten, Andrea and Dustin Capion and twelve great-grandchildren- Brody, Parker, Dominic, Nathan, Blaize, Alyas, Malia, Emma, Benjamin, Tucker, Brooks, and Ezvi. He leaves a special sister, Joanie, and several nieces and nephews.

Donations may be sent to FHN Hospice who were extremely professional and helpful these past months.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 7 at the First United Methodist Church in Freeport with 9:30 visitation, 10:30 service, followed by a luncheon at the church. Interment will be private.