James "Jim" Olin Aiken

James Olin Aiken “Jim”, 75, of Crossett, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the Nightingale Nursing Home in Crossett.  He was born in Grundy City, IA, on September 13, 1947, to his parents, Harold and Hazel Henley Aiken, and was a member of Wallers Chapel United Methodist Church of Crossett.

Jim was a 1966 Drew Central High School graduate and, for several years, worked as a police officer for the City of Monticello.  In 1985, he moved a few miles south and began working for Georgia Pacific, a career he continued until his retirement in 2008.

Jim was a horseman and former member of the Crossett Riding Club and a talented craftsman, building furniture, desks, toy chests, etc., for his family.  He enjoyed simple things such as mowing the grass and watching classic westerns on television, but when it came to wrestling, it became a much more serious matter; he became the super fan.

Jim journeyed through life joking, kidding, talking, and dancing his way into everyone’s hearts with his even temper and soft-spoken voice.  He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, and papaw to his beloved family and a fellow member of the renowned “Wheels of Fury” gang at the Nightingale Nursing Home.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Peggy Davis, and Patricia Lagrone.

He leaves behind his wife of twenty-nine years, Lou Garcia Aiken of Crossett; one son, Keith Aiken (Melanie) of Monticello AR; one daughter, Jennifer Aiken also of Monticello; and three stepdaughters, Debbie Babb (Ricky), Denise Harrington, and Dianna Martinie (Dale) all of Crossett; along with one brother, David Aiken (Lillian) of Mountain View, AR; fifteen grandchildren, Parker Aiken, Skylar McDougald (Jason), Josh Babb, Kelsey Babb (Bryce Smith), Garrett Harrington (Jeri Harper), Logan Harrington, Jake Martinie, Luke Martinie, Josh Martinie (Sylvia), Kaleb Martinie, Grace Martinie, Cody Aiken (Callie), Ashley Aiken, JP Aiken, and Matthew Aiken; and four great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 3rd, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Rev. Toby Austin officiating.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (please click on the provided link below).

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