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James Askren Obituary

James L. Askren "Big Jim" Merrillville James L. Askren age 42, of Merrillville, passed away at St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point on Friday, March 12, 2004. He was retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. Preceded in death by parents Dale and Carol Askren. Survived by two brothers: Dale Askren Jr. and Stephen Askren, both of Merrillville. Sister, Deborah (Darren) Aldridge of Valparaiso; and numerous loving Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Friends may call at the Geisen Funeral Home, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN, on Saturday, March 13, 2004 from 4 to 8 P.M. Mr. Askren will be taken to Cunningham Funeral Home, 441 Lanterman Street, Bridgeport, Illinois, for a visitation on Sunday, March 14, 2004 from 5 to 8 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at the Cunningham Funeral Home on Monday morning at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Bridgeport City Cemetery, Bridgeport, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Indiana University Foundation for the Indiana Resource Center on Autism. P. O. Box 500, Bloomington, IN 46402.

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Published by The Times on Mar. 13, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for James Askren

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April Taylor

April 12, 2004

Debbie, Darren, Steve and Dale Jr.,

Jimmy was always such a sweetheart. He was so great with all of the kids. Parker remembers him as the one with all the cool "toys". I think Michael enjoyed the "toys" as much as the kids did. It will be strange not to see him pull up at the reunion with his latest ride. He will be missed. We love you all and our prayers are with you. April, Michael, Parker and Rylee

Carrie,Rj and Ty Todd

April 11, 2004

What can I say that everyone else hasn't already said. I will always remember how good he was to my neices and nephews. They are his second cousins but you would have thought they were his own. They all have so many good memories of him. And I'm so proud of him for that. You are already missed.

Katherine & Tom Wiegele

March 26, 2004

Thoughts of Jim bring fond memories of the Askren family reunions. Such an entertainer he was and surely will be missed by everyone. May all the warm thoughts and prayers that are coming your way Debbie, Steve and Dale Jr., console you and help see you through these difficult times. All our love and sympathy.

Richard Askren

March 23, 2004

Like anyone else who crossed paths with Jimmy it didn't take long to enjoy his presence. His laughter and jokes were so enjoyable and contagious. I will always remember his "ain't skeered" sticker on his hot rod. There were so many good times back in the days growing up in Indiana. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.

Lisa Peters (Askren)

March 23, 2004

Big Jim will be miss by all. I'm sure glad we went to downtown Chicago in Dec. One of the best times I've had with all of you. That is what is great about our family. All the good times we have had and will continue to have. To Steve, Dale Jr., Debbie, Darren & kids love to you all.

Bill Askren

March 23, 2004

Some of my fondest memories of Jimmy are when we were boys growing up. Playing Home Run Derby out in the back yard, hanging out at the county fair or just cruzin' in the Cuda, we always had a good time. Jimmy was one of those guys you couldn't help but to like, and I'm sure that anyone that had the opportunity to meet him will miss him. God Bless Jim and the ones that will miss him the most, his family.

Bion (B.D.) & Mary Jones

March 22, 2004

A big man with an even bigger heart. Jim was a one-of-a-kind guy, and we will miss him a lot. He loved his "toys" but was always willing to share them with others. Our prayers and special thoughts go out to our cousins and friends, Steve,Dale,Debbie,and Darren.

Steve, Katrina & Adam Boruff

March 22, 2004

Jim was a guy with a caring heart and a great sense of humor. We will forever miss you, Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deb, Steve & Dale, Jr.

Claude, Sandy & Kim Wilson

March 22, 2004

To the Family, you are always in our thoughts and prayers; please know we care deeply for you all, and too share in your grief. To the World, Big Jim was a Outstanding Man. A man with a wonderful sense of humor and a huge heart. He truly knew how to live, laugh, love. It's hard to understand 'why' at times God chooses those that he does, but Jimmy successed with God's plan and shared those qualities with all of us. And for that reason,we will continue to remember, great memories, we all have with him. 'Sharing your cool toys - remote controlled boats and cars','Riding in those cool hot rods','Being pulled behind the speedboat until our upper body muscles ached.','Fixing (Bisquik) pancakes(not):).'and alot of easy going conversations' God Bless and We Love You....

Stephanie Fuchs

March 21, 2004

I will always remeber all the jokes that he use to tell us kids and all the fun high-5 things he would come up with! What great memories!! I will miss him! Love you all,

Steph and Scott

Larry & Robin Askren

March 20, 2004

Jim we will miss your visits and money making ideas. Steve, Dale, Debbie Darren and kids: you are still part of our family and will always be welcome. We will be there when you need us

LOVE

Larry and Robin

Jodi Ayres

March 20, 2004

Debbie,Darrin,Steve & Dale Jr.

I just want to say how wonderful my mom & I thought the service was. And I know all of you played a huge role in that. And I look up to Darrin for the courage it took to get up & say how much of a hero Jim was, and also all his friends that spoke. I can only imagine how proud Jim is of you. May he forever remain in your hearts, as I know he will. Your family is always here for you. Love Always, Jodi, Kevin, Kyle & Quentin

Janet Popp

March 20, 2004

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve, just remember your brother will be with you in your heart always. As you know, I know what it is like to loose a brother. If you ever need someone to talk to I am here for you.

Pat Calvert

March 20, 2004

I remember what fun we always had with Jimmy at our family reunions. I miss him and all of our family and the reunions! What fun we had while we were little! I will always remember Jimmy's laugh! Our prayers are with all of the family now.

Marie Askren Harker

March 19, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with those of you close to Jimmy. He will truly be missed. I have wonderful memories of growing up in northern Indiana and Jimmy plays a large part in those memories.

Debbie Aldridge

March 19, 2004

I would like to thank all of you for all that you have done, for your prayers and for sending a little note in memory of Jim. He was an amazing man and ALL of us loved him very much. I've been checking this site all the time for new messages. For distant family that I haven't seen in a while, please stay in touch. Jim thought about all of you all the time. I love you guys and thank you very much.

Jack askren

March 19, 2004

Jim, as a boy growing up and as a young man you were a joy for agnes and me both. although we have not been around for a few years we will miss you, love Jack & Agnes Askren

Shelene Askren

March 18, 2004

You will always be remembered by all of us, we will miss you deeply.

The holidays and summers won't be the same with out you'r jokes. You ment a lot to Bobby me and the kids, But now you can live in peace.

Love "Nurse Goodbody"

Bobby and Shelene Askren

Derek Wilson

March 18, 2004

I will always remember and cherish the times i had a chance to be with Jim at family reunions and during his visits to my grandparents house. He has always been one of my favorite cousins, even though I barely had the chance to see him. My thoughts are with all of you up there. Debbie, Steve, and Dale, I miss you all and I love you. Feel free to drop me a line in my e-mail. I always love to stay in touch with family I rarely get to see. I love you all!!!!

Linda Chapman (Wilson)

March 18, 2004

I will miss Jim very much! He always made me feel part of the family as did all the rest of you. He was a constant reminder that you should live life to the fullest, because you just never know what may happen. I am always here for you guys, let me know if you need anything.

Love you always,

Linda

Darren Aldridge

March 18, 2004

" YOU DID IT RIGHT "

We love you forever

Nicolas & Hannah

Stacie Anderson

March 18, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Steve, if you need someone to talk to, I will be there. I know how much going through this can take out of a person, so don't hesitate to ask.

Mark Altomere

March 18, 2004

Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. If you need anything Steve and Dale please lets us know.

Pam Madson

March 18, 2004

My heart goes out to all of you. Jim treated me like a little sister and made sure Debbie and I had fun. I'll never forget him.

Chris Camfield

March 18, 2004

All our love goes out at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and hearts.

Carol Hellstrom

March 18, 2004

you have my condolences to the family. Jim is with you all in your hearts. My prayers are with you and Jim every day. Steve take care and I will be there for you if needed. God bless the family and Jim.

Linda Bretzinger

March 18, 2004

Steve,Dale,Debbie, and Darren,

My thoughts are with all of you. We all will miss Jimmy very much.. WE all love you and miss you Jimmy.

Love,

Linda and Bill

LeAnn Fuchs

March 18, 2004

Jimmy, you were always there to help out, take the boys to car shows, plow us out of snow storms, but most of all.... you were always there to make us laugh. We will all miss you very much.

Kenneth Townsel

March 13, 2004

Rest in peace Big Jim.

Kenny (Orban)

Nancy Backes

March 13, 2004

Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I don't have a lot of memories of growing up together, but the ones I have are pleasant.



Love,

Nancy

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