Obituary of James M. Louden

James "Digger" Louden Sidney, NY James "Digger" Louden, 68, of Sidney, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016 at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. Jim was born on June 27, 1948, son of the late David and Agnes Louden. On March 5, 1972 he was married to Linda Hughes in Oneonta. Jim enlisted in the US Army on April 23, 1968 and served his country in Vietnam. He was decorated with many medals including the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter and Expert Rifle M-16 Medals, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal and 3 overseas bars. He was honorably discharged on April 23, 1971. He was a member of the Sidney Moose Lodge #277 and the VFW Post 7914 in Sidney. He was also a dedicated 46 year member o the Charles L. Jacobi American Legion Post 183, Sidney, where he served as a Past Commander. Jim was a machinist with Amphenol Corp. in Sidney for 35 years, retiring January 1st, 2015. He enjoyed camping, casinos, NASCAR and reading. He is survived by: his wife of 44 years, Linda S. Louden; their four children: David (Jess Shelton), Marty (wife, Karel), Melissa (Joe Schreier) and Annie (Glen Ross, Jr.); 10 grandchildren: Kalab, Haley, Jenna, McKinzie, Reva, Dustin, Deven, Joseph, Jalissa and Trenton; siblings: Kathy, Marie, Brian and Jeanette; as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends. Friends may call from 6:00-9:00pm on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, July 13th at the funeral chapel. Burial with military honors will take place at 1:00pm on Friday, July 15th in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's memory may be directed to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.