Jim F. Loden,

Jim was born on August 19, 1946, and from that moment on, very much a free spirit. Not a dull moment was experienced during his time on this earth. He lived in the moment and took joy in many interests until his departure from this life on November 25, 2012. Married to Jennie Hill at 16, Judy and Janice were born by the time Jim was 19. The marriage dissolved after 23 years. Jim was a headstrong and driven man. His love of racing cars was the driving force behind the opening of his machine shop, where he exhibited a talent for building high-performance engines for himself and others. Jim also enjoyed hunting of all kinds, particularly the annual trips he took with his buddies to Colorado. Fishing was another of his loves, along with simple pleasures in his life, such as frying turkeys at the holidays or cooking for a group of friends at the shop. In his early years, Jim was a butcher for Tom Thumb. It was there that he met Lanna, his good friend for many years, who became his wife 9 years ago. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Judy & Gary Gragg, Janice & Curtis Vaughn; a step daughter, Kristi James; two grandsons, Dillon Vaughn & Bishop Gragg; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy & Roy Couch; a niece and nephew and their spouses, Denise & KC Gabbert and Casey & Crista Couch. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Jim F. Loden, Sr., his mother, Bonnie McLaughlin Loden Holloway and her husband, Roy Holloway. Jim was truly a unique individual, his life mirroring this individuality. His life was lived fully, surrounded by his family and a diverse group of friends. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November, 29th at 10:00 a.m., followed by services at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens at 3:00.