Ogden, James (Jim) R.

In remembrance of a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved.

James (Jim) R. Ogden, born under the wide skies of Gordon, Nebraska on March 11, 1946, found his roots and joy in the earth of Rewey, Wisconsin. A proud graduate of Iowa-Grant High School, class of '64, he wove the fabric of his life with threads of diligence and love.

On a summer's day in '68, Jim joined hands with his soulmate, Cheryle Livingston, embarking on a journey of shared dreams and unwavering partnership. From the hum of machinery at John Deere to the nurturing soil of their Rewey farm, Jim's life was a testament to hard work and devotion.

Together, Jim and Cheryle crafted a tapestry of memories—traveling the world, building a home, and breathing life into the Arthur Tavern. Yet, their finest legacy bloomed in the fields and laughter of their three daughters, nurtured on the family farm.

Though the winds of fate took Cheryle too soon, Jim's spirit, undeterred, sought the horizon. He ventured to the Arctic Circle, guided the farm's future, and found solace in the simple act of cutting wood.

Jim's legacy endures through his daughters and their families—Brittany, Erin, and Kathryn—his siblings, and the warm embrace of nieces, nephews, and friends. His journey, marked by the love he gave and the lives he touched, remains a beacon of enduring love and resilience.

We bid farewell to a man of the land, a builder of dreams, and a keeper of hearts. Jim Ogden, forever in our memories, forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his three daughters and their families: Brittany Ogden (Phil Christiansen, Lucas, Oliver); Erin Ogden (Jeff Glazer, Aiden, Elijah, Axel); and Kathryn Ogden.  His sisters and brothers, Pat (Merle) Vacha, Linda Brown, Mary Ann Daily (Bob Vohs), Kathleen Ogden, Joyce Ogden-Portz (Rick Portz), Marvin Ogden, Jerry (Mary) Ogden; his loving brother-in-law L. Gary (Kathy) Livingston and sister-in-law, Kathy Faull); his loving nieces and nephews, his friend Rosanna Harris, and many, many other loving and caring family and friends.  Jim lost the love of his life, Cheryle, to a brain aneurysm in 1999.  He also was predeceased by his parents, brothers Lawrence Ogden and Robert Ogden, and sisters Janet Ogden and Vicki Ogden.

A time of celebration will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Melby Funeral Home (1245 N. Water St., Platteville WI) from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.melbyfh.com

In lieu of flowers, please support the Ogden Family Carmel Cemetery Fund to help maintain the Carmel Cemetery. Jim was a long-time board member and caretaker for the Carmel Cemetery. 

Mail donations to:

Ogden Family Carmel Cemetery Fund, Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, P.O. Box 8125, Janesville, WI  54547-8125.