James Bernard Kauthen Sr.

He was born one of 10 children, to Raymond and Delia (Baker) Kauthen in Garden, MI; Jim was raised in Lake Linden and after graduating from Lake Linden high school in 1952, he served in the Navy during the Korean war.

Once out of the Navy, he was employed by several car manufactures in Detroit; one being Edsel. It was about this time he met the Love of his life, Doreen, who he married in 1959. It was also about this time, Jim obtained employment with the Michigan Department of Transportation, where he eventually worked out of the L’Anse location before retiring after 30 years.

A longtime resident of the Upper Peninsula, Jim and his wife moved to Santa Maria in 1997.

Jim was a faithful family man that lived a simple life who enjoyed fishing with his wife, playing cribbage and was a loyal Detroit Lions and Tigers fan.

He is survived by two sons, James Kauthen, Jr. (Darlene), of Santa Maria, California, and Brad Lokers (Kathy), of Weott, California; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Doreen (Skinner) Kauthen; Brian Lokers (son), Bruce Lokers (son); Leeanna Van Kley (daughter).