James R. Braden, 69, of Burlington, passed away Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Burlington.
Born in Waukegan, Illinois on Aug. 4, 1955, he was the son of William and Lorraine (nee Lange) Braden. He grew up in Arbor Vista and Warren Township in Illinois, graduating from Warren High School. After high school he continued his education by studying accounting. Jim met his future wife in 1992 at Wickes Lumber Company in Vernon Hills, Illinois, while they were working together. They resided in Honey Lake for six years before buying a house in Burlington. Jim was united in marriage to Karen Grube on Dec. 15, 2001, at the Lincoln House in Burlington, and they have enjoyed 29 beautiful years together; forever Honey and Sweetie.
Jim worked as a merchandise coordinator in Vernon Hills before changing to working as a forklift driver for Chaney Instruments in Lake Geneva. He had a love of nature, always enjoyed being outdoors and loved archery. He was a member of Waukegan Bowman and Buck Trail Archers in Burlington. He enjoyed going on motorcycle rides, and he was a real “people person”. Everywhere he went, he would find someone he knew or someone to talk to. He was always friendly with everyone. Jim had unconditional love for his family and all of his fur children.
He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; stepson, Brian Aleckson; brother, Robert “Doug” (Charlene) Braden; sister-in-law Laura Thomas; and nieces and nephews, William, Daniel, Steven, Zoe, Darryl, Christina, Rachel, Jennifer, Adam, Robert, and Joe. Jim is further survived by many great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lorraine Braden; parents-in-law, Clifford and Mary Ann; Grube; stepdaughter, Kristin Aleckson; brothers, William, Thomas, and Mark; his only sister, Karen (nee Braden) Wetmore; as well as his brother-in-law Gregory Grube.
A Funeral Service for Jim will take place on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, Feb. 24 from 4 until 7 p.m.
For on-line condolences, please visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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