James O Aiken

 It is with deep sadness that his family wishes to note the passing of their patriarch, James Aiken, who died peacefully on December 19, 2024, at Heywood Hospital. 

 He was born on June 24, 1936 in Gardner, MA to the late George W. and Nina M. (Brooks) Aiken. Jim lived a life defined by old school values like clarity of purpose, hard work and dogged perseverance. He had a deep love for his family, and was truly dedicated to his beloved wife, Pauline. He worked as a maintenance mechanic at Foster Grant for 26 years and then at Cushing Academy for 15 years, retiring in 2001. He was a graduate of Templeton High School, Class of 1954, but a Gardnerite since 1957. He especially enjoyed gardening, riding his motorcycle, and was a good neighbor to all. If more people lived their lives as he did, the world would be a better place.

 Jim was the husband for 67 years of Pauline H. (Desmarais) Aiken, who died on May 31, 2024. He is survived by three children, Michael Aiken of Tewksbury, MA, Donna Watson of Gardner, MA, and Judith Vacarelo and her husband, James, of Templeton, MA. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Tangela, James, Renee, Rebekah, Gabriella, and Michael, and eight great-grandchildren, Derek, Arieana, Kai, Ayana, Mya, Emma, Jace, and Noah, and by two brothers, George W. Aiken, Jr. of Sandy, UT and Richard Aiken of Suffield, CT.

 He was predeceased by a brother, Robert G. Aiken, and a sister, Barbara Johnson.

 James' funeral service will be private and he will be buried in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Templeton, MA.

 Funeral Directors Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Dan Serina will oversee the services.