"Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

James "Jim" Christopher Luedtke became one of the stars in the sky on May 17th, 2024.

Everyone who met Jim viewed him in a different light. He was enigmatic to most, but to those he allowed in past the surface knew that he was loyal, dedicated, intelligent, philosophical, and kindhearted.

Growing up he took on the job of looking out for his younger siblings, Jefferson and Jennifer. He often spoke of the antics he and Jeff had gotten up to in their younger years. Through thick and thin Jim always had a spot in his heart for his siblings.

Jim had a lifelong passion for sports, playing everyone at some point, but he saved his love for baseball. And he passed the love of the game onto his eldest son Jason, and many other young players, coaching little league and tournament teams. When his daughter, Kaitlyn, danced in her Irish dance competitions he would spend weeks bragging about her performance and he beamed with pride at her success in cross country and softball, as well as her acting skills in the high school plays. Jim got to relive his high school glory days when his son, Christian, joined the football team. Whether watching his boy play or talking about it, Jim always had some good advice and even better stories. His never-ending dedication and pride were a predominant theme throughout Jim's adult life.

Jim's competitive nature led him to the screen in more recent years. Playing Fortnite and other video games with his youngest son, Xander, became quite the bonding experience. Xander and Dad could often be heard cheering for each other in tandem throughout the house, much to Jim's chagrin he was often outplayed by much younger, more nimble thumbs.

Jim was a Millwright by trade and had a successful career moving heavy machinery. But at home he truly enjoyed working on cars. In his free time, he would often be found in the garage covered in grease. He would often grab his stepson, Max, to explain a car part or give advice on girls. He was known to offer his mechanical skills to friends and family in need. In fact, more than once his wife wondered where the extra car in the driveway came from and when it might be leaving.

Jim had a thirst for knowledge that was endless. He was always listening to documentaries on astrology, philosophy, the gods, and higher thinking. His stepdaughter, Samantha's interest in space and the stars encouraged added to his excitement when astrological events occurred. His ability to start a random discussion about a black hole or quote Tao Te Ching was always fascinating, and always when you were in the middle of something else.

Not a day will pass that he isn't missed by many. Each heart he touched will bear his mark forever.
Jim leaves behind his wife, Katie, and their blended family of 6: Jason (21), Max (18), Kaitlyn (18), Samantha (15), Christian (15), and Xander (7). He is survived by his grandson, Joseph James, whom he didn't get to meet, his sister, Jennifer, and brother, Jeffrey, as well as his parents, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 16th from 12pm-3pm at Vernon Barg Pavilion, Lions Legend Park in Franklin, Wisconsin.

The family requests any players from Jim's team who are interested to come ready to play a practice game on the diamond in his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested by the family.