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.
GUESTBOOK
I have no words for the losing of you, Jim! All I can say is my heart, my heart, my heart! You will always be with me and the memories you gave to all of us will last forever! I know you are happy up in Heaven and in no more pain. All the battles you fought in every aspect of your life were courageous!! Stronger than I could ever be! And to my niece, Laura & nephew, Randy...you were the angels on earth that made his last journey on earth the most comfortable and loving anyone could ask for. To the grandchildren, always remember how fun and goofy he was and how many times he made you laugh. With God's will we will all be seeing him again! Love forever, Di. -Diane L. Altier
Each time my mind pulls a memory of Uncle Jim, it involves laughter - not only for myself, but in making an entire room burst from the most jubilant part of our souls. Full of wit, full of character and heirloom'd talent. He carried our family's heritage forthright and proudly. I knew him not while he served our country; we met when I was little. I was his niece, and the embrace of his hug with arms so strong felt he could carry a country in the palm of his hand. Uncle Jim was a prominent Uncle of kindness and grace - standing out in never shying away from cracking us in half from his clever jokes. The stories he wrote of, with highest gratitude and glee; from his children, to his grandchildren - were all carried with honor and Joy. May he rest in peace with those he loves so much, and know he was and is loved, eternally from here. -Katie Gerber
Are condolences! Jim you were so loved by your neighbors !! You left a huge impact on our lives ! You had a smile that was so contagious! You were such a positive man ! It breaks my heart to see that you’re gone . But now you are with the love of your life !!! Everyone on McKinley and Valparaiso street will miss you ! Love you and please keep watch over us all!! -Mike and Amy
We just discovered that Jim passed a couple of weeks ago. Bill and I are so very sorry for this loss. May Jim rest peacefully. -Kathy and Bill Drennan
