Jim loved being a Marine. He would have stayed in and retired from the military had it been for Vietnam. Once a civilian again, Jim found his niche in purchasing and then sales, where he was a natural. He retired from Nelson Nameplate after working there for more than 20 years. He and his wife Carol Mobley Ilten moved to an active adult community in Arizona called Robson Ranch after he retired. He played lots of golf, his favorite sport. He was a gentle, God-fearing man was secure in his salvation.

Jim was a stalwart baritone with the Whittier Choralaires and the Fullerton Orange Empire Chorus .

Jim won the Far Western District with the Gentleman Songsters in 1979 and was also a member of one of the Far Western District`s wackiest quartets The Beaver Inn Four. He also performed with numerous chapter quartets including Preferred Blend from Fullerton and others after retiring to Arizona.