James N. Alldredge, 76, Washington, died Friday, October 11, 2024 at his home in Washington, Kansas.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
A funeral service will be 10 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2024 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Washington.
Burial will be in Washington City Cemetery.
Referred to by most as Jim, he was born on January 24, 1948 in Steele City, Nebraska, the first of six children to Perry and Velma (Kern) Alldredge.
James was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian church in Washington, Kansas. He completed his elementary education at Emmons School in rural Washington County, and graduated from Washington High School in 1966
Following high school, he attended Beloit Vocational Technical School, graduating from the auto mechanic program. He then worked as a mechanic at Fairbury Motors, in Fairbury, NE.
In January 1968, he answered the call of his country and was drafted into the US Army. A mechanic with the 138th Transportation Detachment, his tour of duty included one year in Bangkok, Thailand. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. In January 1970, he was honorably discharged having attained the rank of Specialist E-5.
He was an active member of American Legion Post 235 in Greenleaf, Kansas.
The majority of his career was spent in the truck driving industry. Initially, over the road; the remaining 32 years of his career were spent with Steel and Pipe Supply Company in Manhattan and New Century, Kansas. A distinguished driver, he received numerous awards and recognition for his dedication and service. During this time many lasting friendships were formed.
Jim retired in 2017. Retirement allowed him to change the pace a bit, but did not deter him from continuing to work in some capacity. He worked part time work for the City of Washington and enjoyed the opportunity to haul grain for local farmers during harvest season.
Although to him, the biggest reward retirement bestowed upon him was the opportunity to lend a hand and provide support whenever needed. His kindness and patience, displayed in everything he did.
On October 29th, 1988, James was united in marriage to Cindy Jo Dankenbring in a ceremony at the Presbyterian church in Washington, Kansas. The best of friends, their love and commitment grew stronger in a marriage that approached 36 years. It was simple pleasures that made their life together enjoyable. Owning some type of RV their entire marriage, they spent nearly all of their vacations attending car races throughout the Midwest. Together, they established lasting friendships with people from all areas of the country.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gerald Alldredge, nephew, Jeremy Alldredge, and father-in-law, Dwain Dankenbring.
James is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Cindy; his siblings; Larry Alldredge, Connie Koch (Gaylord Peterson), Donald (Sandy) Alldredge, and Randy Alldredge, sister-in-law, Janice Alldredge; mother-in-law; Mary Dankenbring; brothers-in-law; Craig Dankenbring, Steven Dankenbring, Jeffrey (LeAnne) Dankenbring, a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.
A memorial fund is established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington.