James Bowen Aiken

James ‘Jim’ Bowen Aiken III, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and pastor passed away September 12, 2023 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. He was born in Charlotte, NC, on June 16, 1941 to the late James Aiken Jr. and Marjorie Aiken.

Jim attended college at Furman University where grades were never his main concern. Instead his top priority was Alice Franklin, the true love of his life. After graduation, Jim and Alice got married and embarked on a life of adventure together. Jim entered the U.S. Army and soon rose through the ranks to Captain while serving amongst the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky. There he earned his wings as a paratrooper. Four years later, he jumped headlong into the business world, starting the successful insurance agency of Loveless & Company in the Atlanta area. But it wasn’t until his 50s, as he readied for retirement, that Jim found his true calling. He became a Methodist minister.

Jim was a pastor who didn’t just preach his sermons, he lived them. While serving places like Acworth UMC, Providence UMC, Rome FUMC, FUMC of Union County and Coosa UMC he spent his days helping others, visiting hospitals and just being there for those in need. His catchphrase during every sermon was his cheerful call-and-response of  “God is good, all the time… All the time, God is good.”

Family meant the world to Jim. He cherished Alice, his wife of 59 years, with whom he shared too many memories to count. Together they raised their three children: Susan (Allen) Bullock, Catherine (Dixon) Aiken-Freeman, and Matthew (Katherine) Aiken. His grandkids, Ansley, Matt, Alison (Jared), Kendall, Bailey, Margie, Jill, Bowen, and Theodore all held a special place in his heart. The same could be said for his sister Linda Jennings and brother John Aiken.

Jim also had a feisty competitive streak.

If there’s a Hall of Fame for UMC rec. sports, he would be inducted on the first ballot, as he gave his all on the basketball courts and softball fields. So much that he once broke both thumbs while sliding into second, leaving him with double casts and a permanent “thumbs up”  for several months. He was a coach for his children in multiple sports. And he was also their biggest fan off the field, always taking a rooting interest in whatever they did.

He loved watching the Atlanta Braves, though he could never quite forgive Lonnie Smith for not running to third base in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. He was a friend to canines and a pal to the family dog Penny, often enjoying long walks at the park and sneaking her scraps from the table.

He lived a life full of good humor and joy.

As family members, the absence of Jim in our everyday lives leaves a hole that we are only now just beginning to grasp. But he also leaves us with a sense of comfort and gratitude. It’s the gratitude that we knew him and loved him; and he left no doubt that he loved us too. It’s the comfort of being part of a life well-lived, spent serving others and looking out for those in need. And with that, comes the knowledge that we will surely see him again. After all Jim lived a life that left us with no doubt that God is good all the time. And all the time, God is good.


Services for Jim Aiken will be held on September 30th at 11:00 am at Coosa Methodist Church. An outdoor Celebration Visitation will also be held September, 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Conley Pavilion at Meeks Park in Blairsville. Food and beverages will be provided.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to a charity of choice.