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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
James Wathen Obituary
March 2, 1935 - April 2, 2025
James "Jim" Allen Wathen, age 90, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on April 2, 2025.
He was born on March 2, 1935 in Rowley, IA to Howard Kennith Wathen and Emma Naomi (Albrook) Wathen. James graduated from Rowley High School in 1953. After high school James served his country in the United States Army for 2 years, during the time of the Korean War. After the army, James attended refrigeration school in Omaha, NE. James worked for General Electric Company for 33 years. James served as a lay minister most of the years that he worked at General Electric and on into his retirement, which included holding weekly services at North Crest Care Center. After his retirement from General Electric James studied for his ordination and was ordained as a minister. Some of his most enjoyable and fulfilling times were when he was able to fill the pulpit for someone. Another major part of his ministry was that over the years he wrote hundreds of encouraging letters to family, friends and others who needed an encouraging word.
On June 29, 1957 James was united in marriage to Marion Maud Evans. To this union were born Craig Jay, Kennith Lee, Kristie Sue and Carolyn Kay. Maudie was the love of James' life. Also, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were a very important part of his life.
James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maud, son Craig, brother John Kennith, brother Carl, sister Mary Lou and brother-in-law Johnny Terry, brother Joe and sister-in-law Berniece, brother-in-law Frank Barske, brother Frank, brother-in-law Frank Morris, brother-in-law Ed Evans and brother-in-law Bob Evans.
James is survived by: son Kenn of Omaha Ne, daughter Kris and son-in-law Mark Boyer of Seffner, FL; daughter Carolyn and son-in-law Russ Ferguson of Paris, TX; sister Laura Morris of Janesville, WI; sister Marjorie Barske of Marion, IA; and sister-in-law Jean Evans of Lincoln, NE. James is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.
James bequeathed his body to the Deeded Body Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for medical education and research.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for James on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11am at Calvary Country Church in Council Bluffs.
Jim and Maudie will be interred at Omaha National Cemetery at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Wathen
3 Entries
Sheryl Walgenbach
June 17, 2025
Jim was OUR GE Man in 70s, 80s & 90s! Could always trust his work & enjoyed our visits.
Paula Houvenagle
June 15, 2025
Even though we weren´t related i have known jim and maude as ma and pa wathen. Fond memories of very loving and kind people. You will surely be missed
Brad Neary
June 15, 2025
Jim was one of my late mother´s fellow residents at Fox Run...and one of the most charming. A combination preacher, soloist, maitre d and Walmart greeter. He always had a smile and kind word for the Fox Run staff, his fellow residents and their guests. Rest in peace, Jim.
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