James Alan Kent, 81 of Valparaiso, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026. He was born on March 27, 1945 in Oak Park, Illinois to the late, Eugene and Dorothy (Elwart) Kent. A graduate of Saint Procopius High School in Chicago, Jim made his 40-year career at Chicago Tube & Iron, retiring as plant manager. He also served our county in Vietnam and was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. Jim found enjoyment in lighthouses, watching and studying trains, taking in and even performing in musicals, and he was an avid Chicago Bears fan.
On August 1, 1970 in North Riverside, IL, Jim married Linda Cook, who preceded him in death on December 26, 2024. He survived by his children, Laura (John Ontto) Miller of Valparaiso and Randy (Laurie) Kent of Fond du Lac, WI; grandchildren, Autumn and Evelyn Miller, and Tyler, Alaina, and Anna Kent; siblings, Mary Lou Seibert, Nancy (Jerry) Jankowski, Diane Altier, Jack (Holly) Kent, and Tom (Bonnie) Kent; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was also preceded in death by his son, Brian Kent.
A Funeral Mass will be held on June 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Queen of Apostles Chapel at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Opportunity Enterprises.
