James D. Battan

James D. Battan, 54, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, after losing control of his kayak in the Brandywine River on the rapids above Market Street.

Born in Wilmington on August 25, 1964, Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman from an early age, having loved to explore the woods along the Red Clay Creek.  He would dig for old bottles, snorkel at Hoopes, and walk the tracks of the Wilmington & Western Railroad.  Around 2000, Jimmy began to explore an interest in kayaking.  His passion grew from a few small play boats, up to about a dozen, each with their own personalities.  He was at home in the marshes of the Christina River or the "holes" he had in the Brandywine River.  His passion extended beyond the Wilmington waterways into the Susquehanna.  He knew when the dam was releasing water and loved to surf the rapids at Holtwood.  His passion for being outdoors was fulfilled when he had the opportunity to work and live on a farm estate in Chadds Ford, PA.  His love and dedication to the well being of the animals on the farm was outstanding and will not soon be forgotten.  Jimmy liked to get out of the house and, when he wasn't pursuing his active hobbies, he would drive around the valleys of southern Pennsylvania and Delaware, enjoying the undeveloped areas of country where he felt at peace.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Betty Jean (Horvath) Battan; his sisters, Donna Shotzberger and husband, Peter, Linda Ross and husband, Michael; his nephews and nieces, Luke, Kelsey, Emily, and Daniel.

He was predeceased by his father, Arthur "Pat" Battan.

Friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Tuesday, September 25 from 4:30-5:30PM, with funeral services immediately following.  Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A St., Wilm., DE 19801 (www.delawarehumane.org).

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