James Gatten Sr.

James Lee Gatten Sr., 75, of Riverside California, died Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Riverside Community Hospital, in California.

Jim was born March 23, 1945, in Warren, Ohio to Willis and Anna {Vitale} Gatten.

Jim graduated from Mount Vernon Academy in 1963.  He later attended Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN, and CTI in Columbus, OH.

He married Marlene Matthews on December 23, 1983.  Jim was a devoted husband and father.  He always put his family first.

Jim worked in Mount Vernon, before relocating to California where he spent 24 years at Loma Linda Foods and then served as Director of Manufacturing at Camino Real Foods before retiring. Jim had a passion for woodworking and created many beautiful pieces during his retirement.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife Marlene; children Melissa Williams of NM, Jimmie (Liz) Gatten of CA, Michaela (Dave) Waggoner of NY, Deborah (Lonnie) Kanuckel, Patti (Todd) Kamer, and Robert (Barb) Nera all of Ohio; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers Willis (BJ) Gatten, Eugene (Trudy) Gatten, and Don (MJ) Gatten; sister Velda (Jake) Capps; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Mary Matthews.

Graveside services will be private at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens with Pastor Ron Vozar officiating. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.