James Felten Sr.

James Felten, 89, of Sheboygan, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Anita's Garden in Plymouth. Jim was born July 29, 1928 in Sheboygan to Emil and Theodora (Rudy) Felten. He graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1947. Following High School Jim joined and proudly served in the US Army from 1951 to 1952. He was stationed in Colorado and Germany during the Korean Conflict.
Jim worked for the Tennessee Glass Company in Nashville, TN and the Sheboygan Glass Company in Sheboygan Falls, retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Sheboygan Evangelical Free Church, Christian Business Community, Sheboygan Contractors Association, and the Sheboygan Optimist Club.
Jim's last ministry was writing cards of encouragement, which he named The Encourager and sent them to people all over the world. He would pray and study the bible to know what to write on the cards. He would then pray over them and send them out. Jim also had a real ministry of prayer, and a binder full of names of people he prayed for regularly. Despite losing his hearing 37 years ago, he continued to speak clearly, preach, and sing. His optimism never faded throughout all his great challenges in life. His motto was, "Not Somehow but Triumphantly!"
Jim is survived by his four children; James (Joni) Felten Jr., Jay Felten, Jill (Mark) Abraham, and Jeff Felten, grandchildren; Heidi Felten, Kelly Duplechain, Anna Felten, Elizabeth (Steve) Purvis, Sean Abraham, Caitlin Abraham, Cory Felten, Jeffery Felten Jr., and Rebecca, twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, a brother Lawrence (Mary Ann) Felten, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and six brothers.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Oakbrook Community Church in Jim's name.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 2:30 PM at Oakbrook Community Church, 1624 Broadway, Sheboygan, with Pastor Mario Ciotola officiating. Military Honors will follow. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the CHURCH.