James Girten

James A. Girten, resident of Sayler Park, passed away at his home on September 8, 2020 at the age of 94. Survived by two children: Bruce and wife, Linda, and Denise Frey; grandson: Justin Frey; and long-time friend Virginia English. Jim was a long-time Elder at the Delhi Presbyterian Church in Sayler Park and a pillar of the community.

Jim was born December 4, 1925 in Sayler Park on Jersey Ave. and lived and worked his whole life in Sayler Park. He attended Western Hills High School and was a member of the Tridenta Optimy fraternity, the Sunshine Boys and the Sayler Park Football team. He spent two years in the Navy during WWII. He married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Dill on July 9, 1949. Evelyn taught kindergarten at the Sayler Park Elementary School from 1948-1952. Jim referred to his wife as "Mom" after having their two children.

Jim was in the 'newspaper business' from 1946 through the 60's and then in the 60's through 1978, he owned Jim Girten Real Estate brokerage firm. During his real estate career, he sold over 300 pieces of property. Jim owned extensive holdings in Sayler Park and Addiston. He attended the Simon Chase Law School for real estate law. In 1972, it was Jim's idea to develop the Sayler Park Village Council and he took an active roll in shaping Sayler Park into the community it is today.

After retirement, Jim & Evelyn wintered in Fort Meyers, FL for 6 months each year for thirty years. Jim enjoyed boating and bike riding and attended many bike tours while living in Florida. He also loved to boat on the Ohio River and traveled from Louisville to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to Frankfort, KY. Evelyn and Jim traveled extensively in 49 states. They didn't make it to Hawaii.

Evelyn passed in 2011 and Jim made a memorial gift to the Sayler Park School for a new courtyard in memory of Evelyn Dill Girten. Jim and Evelyn will be missed in the community.

Graveside services were held at 2 pm on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Maple Grove Cemetery. Jackie Apted will officiated and the US NAVY will be provided services for their fallen comrade. If you were unable to attend a link to the graveside services can be found here  https://vimeo.com/463225208.  

The family would like you to donate to your favorite charity or spread kindness to others by doing a good deed in his memory.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Girten, please visit our floral store.