James Alan Vertenten

James Alan “Jim” Vertenten, age 80, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Jim was born on April 9, 1944, in Chicago to Ellen and Walter Vertenten. He was a graduate of Loyola Academy (Wilmette, Illinois) earning his BBA from Loyola University, Chicago. Jim joined the United States Air Force and while serving as an officer, graduated from the Air War College and earned an MBA from University of Rochester.   Jim retired after twenty years’ service as a Lt. Colonel, returning to Chicagoland where he became President and Branch Manager of Corus Bank.  After his second retirement, Jim moved to Alexandria, Virginia and served as the Executive Director of the Air Force Historical Foundation from 2010 to 2022.

Jim was deeply committed to community service, serving as President of the Belgian American Historical Society of Chicago and as a Genealogy Consultant at the U.S. National Archives in Washington, D.C.  An avid Chicago sports fan (Go Bears), Jim also enjoyed summers spent in Green Lake, Wisconsin, especially on the water, and traveling with his family.

Jim is survived by his spouse, Dora Kingsley Vertenten; his children Joseph (Maddy), Julie, Mike and Dan (Katie); six grandchildren Casey, Max, Lindsey, Ella, Ryan and Claire and his brother Jeffrey (Lois).  Jim was predeceased by his parents Ellen and Walter Vertenten and spouse Sheila, the mother of his children.

Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a future date not yet known.