Obituary of James A. Batten

Whitewater, WI - James A. Batten, 70, of Whitewater went home to be with his Lord on Sunday Feb. 16, 2014. James was born Aug. 27th, 1943 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Harold and Ruth Batten. James retired from Valspar paint after 32 years on 2/28/06. He was united in marriage to Janice (Erickson) Batten on July 6, 1962 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mpls, MN. They were married 51 years and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He was a sports enthusiast with a deep passion for golf, wood working and military history. James is survived by his wife, Janice, the love of his life, and his children Scott (Anita) Batten, Wendy Batten, and Jaime (Greg) Goelz. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Jennifer, Kylee, Ainsley, Kyan and one more soon to be born. James is also survived by his sister Janice (Batten) Murphy, sisters-in-law Judy Erickson and Jeanne (Paul) Peterson all of Mpls, MN, nephews Jeff (Michele) Murphy, Jay Murphy, Dan (Midori) Batten, Jeff (Cathy) Peterson and niece Jennifer (Joe) Ott. James was predeceased by his parents, brother John Batten and brother-in-law Dennis Murphy. A celebration of James' life will be held on Feb. 25th, 2014 at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI with Pastors Gerald Wendt and Steve Hanson officiating. Visitation 9 - 11am, service to follow at 11am. Luncheon will be served. Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater assisted the family with arrangements. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.