James W. Loften

James W. Loften

James W. Loften, 92, of Albany, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the Monroe Clinic Hospital in Monroe. He was born on August 17, 1923, near Moorefield, West Virginia, the sixth of ten children born to Harness and Kurnie (Shook) Lofton. He graduated from Stephens City High School in Stephens City, Virginia, in 1943. He married LaDean Marie Butt of Janesville on June 26, 1948. She passed away on May 3, 2004.

Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps when Pearl Harbor was attacked and was immediately called to active service after graduation. He passed the necessary requirements and was assigned to the Air Corps Aviation Cadet Flight training program as a pilot trainee. He was discharged in March of 1946.

Jim worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Janesville and Beloit, retiring in September of 1984 after 38 years of service.

Jim’s first love was his wife and family. Next came hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was a volunteer Hunter Education and Firearm Safety instructor for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for 34 years, graduating over 3,000 students.

He was an active member of the Albany United Methodist Church, a life member of the National Rifle Association, the Wisconsin Rifle and Pistol Association, the Green County Conservation League, the North American Hunting Club, and the Albany Historical Society. He was also a member of American Legion Post 144 of Albany.

Jim is survived by two sons, Daniel (Barbara), of East Troy, and Bruce (Kathy), of Albany; a brother, Omer, of Winchester, Virginia; a sister, Alice, also of Winchester, Virginia; a sister, Pauline, of Moorefield, West Virginia; five grandchildren, Travis (Dayna) Loften, Amanda (Josh) Firgens, Wesley, Adam, and Kenneth Loften; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers, and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 8, at the Albany United Methodist Church with Pastor Brad Mathers officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Albany with Military Honors. A visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at the Albany United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Albany Historical Society or American Legion Post 144 of Albany.

The D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at

www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com.