James G. Aitken

James G. Aitken, of Longs, SC, formerly of Natick, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024, with his loving family by his side after a gallant fight with cancer.

He was the beloved husband of Trang (Vu) Aitken. Jim was born in Boston, MA on February 14, 1959, the son of the late Donald J. and Mary Lou (Vance) Aitken. Jim was raised in Natick, graduating from Natick HS Class of 1978.

Jim started his career as a Mechanic with International Harvester, in October of 1979 Jim was hired as a mechanic with the State Police, retiring in 2015 as Head Mechanic after 35 years of service. Jim loved his job and all those he encountered throughout his years on the job. He was best known as “Ace” for his hard work ethic and dedication to his profession. Never saying “No” to the troopers, Jim was loyal to them all. They knew they could count on “Ace”. Jim was the curator of the State Police Museum. In 1989 he redesigned the license plate that was used for the cruisers, and it was used from ’89 – ’07, he even had a hand in redesigning the Sash for the Mass St. Police Pipes & Drum Sash.

Jim was an avid collector and trader of State Police license plates and badges, he was known both nationally and internationally as a member of ALPCA (Automobile License Plate Collectors Association). He also was a subscriber of Police Collectors News and several other groups, Electric Blue, State Trooper Plates, and other State Police Badge groups and organizations. Jim would attend the Troopers Picnic which is held in different locations across the country annually, he used any opportunity he could to meet up with old friends and to trade.

Jim is survived by his wife Trang Aitken, of Longs SC, and his sisters, Carol Aitken-Young and her partner, Anthony Salvaggio, of Natick, Donna Warren, of Shrewsbury. Nieces and nephews, Wendy Aitken-Leavitt and her husband Dana, Faith Lewis, Jennifer Hernandez, James P. Young and his wife Lindsey, Donald Lucas, Mike Warren, Bob Warren and his wife Heather, and several great nieces and nephews. Most importantly, he is survived by his beloved cat Smokie. Jim is predeceased by his sister, Brenda Aitken-Lucas and brothers-in-law, John F. Young Jr., and Robert Warren.               

Funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, NATICK COMMON, on Wednesday, July 31st at 9:00 am.  Followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, 44 E. Central St (rt 135) Natick at 10:00 am. Interment at St. Zepherin Cemetery in Wayland. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday, July 30th from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via jimmyfund.org/gift 

For online guestbook and directions: www.everettfuneral.com

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