James (Jim) Henry Aiken

On May 27, 2026 James (Jim) Henry Aiken entered into God’s kingdom. Born on June 17, 1929, to Ray Henry and Jeannette Helena (Payne) Aiken, he grew up living the farm life.

Jim married Mary Jolene (McGuire) Aiken on August 28, 1953, and they were married for 73 years before her passing on March 30, 2025. From this union were born – Diana Carol and Blaine Edwin.

Growing up in Montgomery County he was actively involved in 4-H and FFA. He engaged in Livestock Judging on the county level, state level, and national level. He judged at the Chicago and Illinois Livestock Show, State Team Kansas Livestock Judging Champions and as State Champions; he also judged at the American Royal Livestock Show, in 1950 he won the State Swine Award.

Following his time in the Army, Jim worked as a foreman and manager for Star Craft Boat Company, Cobalt Boat Company, and Hackney and Sons Midwest. In addition to working full time he also farmed, ranched, raised cattle, hogs, and especially horses. He loved anything to do with horses and was an active member of the Independence Saddle Club and Drill Team for several years. He also rode and participated in the Caney to Pawhuska Trail ride each year and participated at the International Cavalcades in Pawhuska, OK.

Jim also served on the Rural School 58 School Board, Montgomery County Farm Bureau Board, and served as a Livestock Superintendent at Montgomery County Fair for years. He was on several bowling teams over the years and served as a deacon and board member at the former Community Christian Church.

Jim spent over 50 years actively involved in 4-H either as a member, a hands-on parent and grandparent, or a club and project leader. He spent countless hours working with 4-H children to encourage, develop, and complete projects.

After leaving the farm in June 2025, he lived at Eagle Estates where he made several friends. He liked to play Bingo on Wednesdays and especially enjoyed sharing meals with other residents.

Jim is survived by many family members: Diana Carol Bredehoft, Daughter; Rose Aiken Dickerson, Daughter in-law of Independence, Kansas. Grand children: Joshua Obermier (wife Misty) of Talala, Oklahoma; Noah James Aiken of Independence; Jennifer Haley (husband Chris) of Lexington, Oklahoma; Kattie Bredehoft Sacia of Winona, Minnesota.

Jim’s great-grandchildren include: Cameron and Jerrod Haley; Wyatt and Wade Obermier; Gavin and Adrian Gillespie; Aleena, Kalel, and Lynlee Hilson; and Rhett and Rory Gillespie. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jolene; parents, Ray Henry and Jeannette Helena Aiken; his brother, Marvin Ray Aiken; his son, Blaine Edwin Aiken; his son-in-law, David Bredehoft; his great-grandson, Jacob Case Haley; and his grandson-in-law, Kyle Sacia.

A visitation honoring Jim’s life will be held on Monday, June 1st, at 10:00 a.m. at Potts Chapel of Independence, with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m.

In memory of Jim, donations may be made to The Journey House at Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Montgomery County 4-H.