Resident of Saratoga

Jim Aanenson, age 82, passed away on September 3, 2024, due to severe complications from four right knee replacement surgeries with infections. His wife and family were by his side.

Jim was born in Ellensberg, Washington, to Henry and Audrey Aanenson. Jim spent his youth at Coulee Dam, (WA) enjoying school, sports, fishing, hunting, and boating, He studied at Washington State University (Pullman, WA) where he double-majored in Forestry and Business Administration, while completing Army ROTC. Jim and Mary Ann Jaburek, a fellow WSU student, married and graduated together in 1965. After graduation, Lt. Aanenson was ordered to training at Fort Belvoir, (Washington,) Nuremberg, Germany, and Vietnam serving in the Engineer Corps in Long Binh, General Westmoreland's Headquarters. Mary Ann and their first daughter traveled to her home in Kailua, Oahu, during his duty in Vietnam.

At the time the Army was down-sizing in Vietnam, Jim returned to the U.S., serving at Ft Lewis, (WA). Because of his high test scores and leadership experience, the U.S. Government welcomed Jim into the Civil Service Management Training Program. His options were numerous.

Jim chose the U.S. Postal Service so he could remain in the western U.S., the area of his extended family.

After training in Seattle, he was sent to manage the U.S.

Postal Service in the western Montana region (headquartered in Missoula). Twelve years later he was selected for the position of San Jose Regional Postmaster.

Jim, Mary Ann and their four children moved to San Jose. During his Civil Service career, Jim continued with his U.S Army service, training military officers in California and Nevada, and retiring as a Colonel. After Civil Service and Army retirement, Jim enjoyed investing and managing real estate properties.

Jim and Mary Ann raised four children, creating a loving, supportive family. Jim cherished his roles as a husband, father, and friend. As a Christian, he encouraged, comforted, mentored, and served many. Jim rejoiced being with others, devoted to family and extended family, and the men's groups at his church. His dedication to service and duty was matched by his passion for the great outdoors. He reveled in hunting, fishing, and exploring nature's beauty and wonders. Jim and Mary Ann shared a love of travel, exploring the world through their myriad adventures and through their mutual love of reading.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and service.

He is deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, four children, a granddaughter, two brothers, and a large extended family. His memory will forever be cherished.

Services, the Celebration of Life, are being held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the Saratoga Federated Church, 20390 Park Place, Saratoga.