James A. Batten, 70, of Whitewater, died Feb. 16, 2014. He was born Aug. 27, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Harold and Ruth Batten.
He retired from Valspar paint after 32 years on Feb. 28, 2006.
He married Janice (Erickson) Batten on July 6, 1962, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
He was a sports enthusiast with a deep passion for golf, woodworking and military history.
Survivors include his wife, Janice, the love of his life; children, Scott (Anita), Wendy, and Jaime (Greg) Goelz; grandchildren, Jennifer, Kylee, Ainsley, Kyan and one more soon to be born. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Murphy; sisters-in-law, Judy Erickson and Jeanne (Paul) Peterson all of Minneapolis; nephews, Jeff (Michele) Murphy, Jay Murphy, Dan (Midori), Jeff (Cathy) Peterson and niece Jennifer (Joe) Ott.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother John, and brother-in-law, Dennis Murphy.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, the Revs. Gerald Wendt and Steve Hanson officiating.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Luncheon will be served.
Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater.
Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater assisted the family with arrangements.
In the Feb. 20 print edition of the Whitewater Register, the incorrect day was listed. The celebration of life and visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25. We regret the error.
