Celebrating the life of
James C. Elsken
August 16, 1922 - July 21, 2009
SAVANNAH - James C. Elsken, 86, died on Tuesday, July 21st peacefully at his home in Savannah, GA.
Jim was born in Paris, Arkansas on August 16, 1922 to Alberta and Albert Elsken. He spent his childhood in Arkansas with his brother, Richard, and his sisters, Leona and Mary. He served in WWII in the Army Air Corp. He graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley and worked for Dorr-Oliver in California, Connecticut and Illinois. After retiring from Dorr-Oliver in 1986 he enjoyed a long retirement golfing on Skidaway Island. He was always an active member of the Catholic church, and was most recently a parishioner at St. James in Savannah.
Jim married Catherine Ann CanAnn Warren in 1949 and they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. He was a warm, loving husband and father of eight children. He was predeceased by his son, Marty and his sister Mary. Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Martha Ann Keizur and husband Warren of Savannah, GA, Lynn Brynes and husband Andy of Baltimore and their children Sophie and Abby; five sons, Bob and wife Karen of Charlotte, NC, Larry and wife Donna of Ames, IA, and their children Annie Oliver, Tyler Duffy and Rachael, children of Marty, Jene Ramzi Hajj, Chris Julie and PJ, great-grandchild Tyler, Mike and wife Diane of Lincoln, NE and their children Warren and Dorie, Dan and wife Laura of San Diego, CA and their children Andrew and Nicholas, Paul and wife Caroline of Boca Raton, FL and their children Brian and Emily; many other family and friends, and beloved dog Butterbean.
A Mass will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at St. James Catholic Church.
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 24, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 or Spanish Oaks Hospice, 8510 Whitefield Ave., Savannah, GA 31406.
My sincere condolences to Dan and Laura and family. I only heard about Jim passing recently.
- Bob Stewart, Savannah, GA
Our' memories of Jim and family include all the above. 'My' Richard memories of my 'little brother' go back to our childhood.I have so many memories of the days in home town of Paris, Arkansas. I couldn't help but look again at a particular photo dated Nov. 1928. It shows all the kids at St. Joseph's School in Paris, AR. Front row wearing knickers and sitting cross legged are Jim and i----that Elsken look all over our faces. Another pic is the last time I saw my brother----July 2005 at sister, Leona's home in Moraga CA. Again, our bright shining faces. In between those years are thousands of memories of our childhood. Thanks for the memories,dear Brother !!!
- Dick & Bobby Elsken, Quincy, CA
Dear Aunt Can Ann, You and Uncle Jim were like an additional set of loving grandparents to my now-grown children, during our visits to my parents every July. We cherish the wonderful memories. And it was always much fun to listen to Uncle Jim tease his little sister my mom! Thank you both for being such great people. Much love, Helen
- Helen Battista, Orange, VA
Dear Catherine, You and Jim will be in my prayers and in the prayers of all the adorers at the Adoration Chapel at St. James. We will not forget your faithful service to the Lord. And, of course, the Lord will never forget either!! God Bless you and your family. Joan Hug
- Joan Hug, Savannah, GA
Mike, Dianne, Warren and Dorie: My deepest sympathies on your loss. I know this disease is an especially difficult one for everyone to deal with. May time bring you peace and wonderful memories of his life.
- Sue Novak, Lawrence, KS
Canann and family: First let me say how sorry I am for your loss. Second, I thank God for the day the Elskens came into my life. You already had a house full and you took me in anyhow. The Elskens, my second family, was closer than any cousins I ever had and Jim was a huge part of that. I'll miss him as I would a loved family member. The world was a better place with him. Of course I'll have all those memories I'll never forget and he left those with everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. Just thinking of him puts a smile right back on my face. And I plan on thinking about all those good things for a long time. Love - Kevin
- Kevin Malloy, Wethersifeld, CT
Just .... I am so sorry, unless -- probably BUT --- he is certainly a happy man now .... though I am horribly surprised ... I didn't realize that he was so ill. I just simply can't imagine CanAnn without him! So he wasn't supposed to ever go. I love all of you and am thinking of all of you .... love, Mary Kay
- Mary Kay Bagnal, Chicago, IL
So many happy memories, it would take books even to begin. Mother always said we had the 'bestest family in the world'. And when you married CanAnn, it went from bestest to better. Thank you, my wonderful brother, for always protecting me. I'll always love you, and you'll always be a part of my life. Your loving sister, Leona
- Leona Barker, Moraga, CA
Uncle Jim will always mean great big bear hugs, twinkling eyes, laughter that came easy and often, and the endless 'argument' between my mother Leona and him as to who spent more time in the bathroom when they were growing up. I always looked forward to Uncle Jim & Aunt CanAnn's visits, because I knew it meant there would be great stories and I also knew how happy it made my mother and dad to see them both. Thank you for the happy memories, and, as my family grew, thank you for always keeping up with us. Love to all the family - Chris, John, Scott & Erin O'Connell
- Chris & John O'Connell, Moraga, CA
He was a wonderful father and father-in-law. We see him every day in our home since he helped remodel it 15 years ago! Love you always, Dad.
- Karen and Bob Elsken, Charlotte, NC
I have the best memories of all the weeks we spent w/Jim and the Elskens in CT, waterskiing on the lake, ham sandwiches, moving to IL together and all those spring breaks in Savannah. Take care of each other. Miss you lots- especially your warm laugh and huge hugs! Love, The Anderson Family
- Jenn, Mike, Van & Lucy Anderson, Yorkville, IL
I have the best memories sharing my childhood, & growing up, with the entire Elsken clan! We were so lucky to move, or follow you guys, from state to state!! I love being a part of this family of ours!! Uncle Jim taught me so much. Most importantly how important it is to show your love. And that can be done simply through a huge hug!! And,he also introduced me to WGN & the Cubs. In my book, that makes the coolest uncle ever!! That's love!! Love you all so much!
- Elisa Taylor, Chicago, IL
I love you all so much!! You are in all of my thoughts!! Hug alot!!
- Elisa Taylor, ,
Wow...to follow my kids and Bob and Karen's loving responses. I can't say enough for all the fun we had with the Elsken clan....we almost feel like a few more of their kids! Lots of great memories of Jim and Can Ann. Wonderful laugh, huge hugs, card games, ham sandwiches, water skiing, Cubs fan you better make the magic happen from heaven, Jim! Lots more could be said, but here's to a wonderful man who taught us all many things, love being one of the best. All our love, Ron and Anne Taylor
- Ron and Anne Taylor, Lake Forest, IL
Dearest Family & Friends: I have such wonderful memories of my Uncle Jim... his wonderful, gravelly and booming voice, warm laugh, strong values, and loving and gentle spirit. I will always remember the '10-Hour Tour of Savannah' last time I visited... fabulous! Aunt Can Ann.... what a team you and Uncle Jim!
- Theresa, Moraga, CA
My sincere condolences to Dan and Laura and family. I only heard about Jim passing recently.
- Bob Stewart, Savannah, GA
Our' memories of Jim and family include all the above. 'My' Richard memories of my 'little brother' go back to our childhood.I have so many memories of the days in home town of Paris, Arkansas. I couldn't help but look again at a particular photo dated Nov. 1928. It shows all the kids at St. Joseph's School in Paris, AR. Front row wearing knickers and sitting cross legged are Jim and i----that Elsken look all over our faces. Another pic is the last time I saw my brother----July 2005 at sister, Leona's home in Moraga CA. Again, our bright shining faces. In between those years are thousands of memories of our childhood. Thanks for the memories,dear Brother !!!
- Dick & Bobby Elsken, Quincy, CA
Dear Aunt Can Ann, You and Uncle Jim were like an additional set of loving grandparents to my now-grown children, during our visits to my parents every July. We cherish the wonderful memories. And it was always much fun to listen to Uncle Jim tease his little sister my mom! Thank you both for being such great people. Much love, Helen
- Helen Battista, Orange, VA
Dear Catherine, You and Jim will be in my prayers and in the prayers of all the adorers at the Adoration Chapel at St. James. We will not forget your faithful service to the Lord. And, of course, the Lord will never forget either!! God Bless you and your family. Joan Hug
- Joan Hug, Savannah, GA
Mike, Dianne, Warren and Dorie: My deepest sympathies on your loss. I know this disease is an especially difficult one for everyone to deal with. May time bring you peace and wonderful memories of his life.
- Sue Novak, Lawrence, KS
Canann and family: First let me say how sorry I am for your loss. Second, I thank God for the day the Elskens came into my life. You already had a house full and you took me in anyhow. The Elskens, my second family, was closer than any cousins I ever had and Jim was a huge part of that. I'll miss him as I would a loved family member. The world was a better place with him. Of course I'll have all those memories I'll never forget and he left those with everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. Just thinking of him puts a smile right back on my face. And I plan on thinking about all those good things for a long time. Love - Kevin
- Kevin Malloy, Wethersifeld, CT
Just .... I am so sorry, unless -- probably BUT --- he is certainly a happy man now .... though I am horribly surprised ... I didn't realize that he was so ill. I just simply can't imagine CanAnn without him! So he wasn't supposed to ever go. I love all of you and am thinking of all of you .... love, Mary Kay
- Mary Kay Bagnal, Chicago, IL
So many happy memories, it would take books even to begin. Mother always said we had the 'bestest family in the world'. And when you married CanAnn, it went from bestest to better. Thank you, my wonderful brother, for always protecting me. I'll always love you, and you'll always be a part of my life. Your loving sister, Leona
- Leona Barker, Moraga, CA
Uncle Jim will always mean great big bear hugs, twinkling eyes, laughter that came easy and often, and the endless 'argument' between my mother Leona and him as to who spent more time in the bathroom when they were growing up. I always looked forward to Uncle Jim & Aunt CanAnn's visits, because I knew it meant there would be great stories and I also knew how happy it made my mother and dad to see them both. Thank you for the happy memories, and, as my family grew, thank you for always keeping up with us. Love to all the family - Chris, John, Scott & Erin O'Connell
- Chris & John O'Connell, Moraga, CA
He was a wonderful father and father-in-law. We see him every day in our home since he helped remodel it 15 years ago! Love you always, Dad.
- Karen and Bob Elsken, Charlotte, NC
I have the best memories of all the weeks we spent w/Jim and the Elskens in CT, waterskiing on the lake, ham sandwiches, moving to IL together and all those spring breaks in Savannah. Take care of each other. Miss you lots- especially your warm laugh and huge hugs! Love, The Anderson Family
- Jenn, Mike, Van & Lucy Anderson, Yorkville, IL
I have the best memories sharing my childhood, & growing up, with the entire Elsken clan! We were so lucky to move, or follow you guys, from state to state!! I love being a part of this family of ours!! Uncle Jim taught me so much. Most importantly how important it is to show your love. And that can be done simply through a huge hug!! And,he also introduced me to WGN & the Cubs. In my book, that makes the coolest uncle ever!! That's love!! Love you all so much!
- Elisa Taylor, Chicago, IL
I love you all so much!! You are in all of my thoughts!! Hug alot!!
- Elisa Taylor, ,
Wow...to follow my kids and Bob and Karen's loving responses. I can't say enough for all the fun we had with the Elsken clan....we almost feel like a few more of their kids! Lots of great memories of Jim and Can Ann. Wonderful laugh, huge hugs, card games, ham sandwiches, water skiing, Cubs fan you better make the magic happen from heaven, Jim! Lots more could be said, but here's to a wonderful man who taught us all many things, love being one of the best. All our love, Ron and Anne Taylor
- Ron and Anne Taylor, Lake Forest, IL
Dearest Family & Friends: I have such wonderful memories of my Uncle Jim... his wonderful, gravelly and booming voice, warm laugh, strong values, and loving and gentle spirit. I will always remember the '10-Hour Tour of Savannah' last time I visited... fabulous! Aunt Can Ann.... what a team you and Uncle Jim!
- Theresa, Moraga, CA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
