James Loehrke III

Gone, but far from forgotten. James Loehrke III, 46, Los Angeles, CA, formerly of Mandan, passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2025, in Los Angeles.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mandan, with Rev. Kevin Zellers presiding. Family invites friends for fellowship, lunch, and time of sharing immediately following the funeral at the church fellowship hall.

Jim was born December 31, 1978, in Bismarck, the last baby of the year according to newspaper and TV headlines, to James Jr. and Judy (Martin) Loehrke. He attended Mandan schools and graduated from Mandan High School in 1997. He worked for his dad at James Loehrke Jr. Trucking during high school. Jim wrestled and played football for the Mandan Braves and continued his wrestling career at Dickinson State University. He earned his way to the National Wrestling Tournament in Great Falls, MT in 2002. In October 2017, he was inducted into the DSU Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1999-2000 wrestling team. Jim graduated from DSU in 2003 and moved to California where he taught high school science for the last 20 years. While there he was also the head wrestling coach for 10 years. 

Jim loved sports, especially the Raiders, Dodgers, and the Clippers. He enjoyed cooking and was great at it. Jim would often invite friends over to his parents’ house when he was home in North Dakota. He would ask his mom if it was ok after they arrived! Jim had a kind heart and bought wrestling shoes for a student athlete that couldn’t afford them. His mom said a pair of wrestling shoes was his first pair of brand-new shoes, he even slept with them on! Jim had a friend who was sick and in a coma. Jim sat and read to him until he regained consciousness. He loved and spoiled his rescue dog, Bagel, more than some people love their children. Bagel was his everything. He spent many wonderful times in Anamoose, ND, hunting with his cousins. Jim lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed trips to Sai Pan, Hawaii, and a Caribbean cruise. Jim had plans to move back to North Dakota next summer.

Jim was the type of person you were just drawn to. He was friendly and kind and had a smile and laugh that were contagious. He was the definition of fun! Although he moved away from ND in 2003, Jim maintained friendships with classmates throughout the years, many were still as close as ever. His passing leaves a void that will be filled with love and countless happy memories.

Blessed to have shared in his life are his parents, James Jr. “Skip” and Judy Loehrke, Mandan; his beloved dog, Bagel; aunts, Rosalie Holle, Mandan, Judith Moltzen, Bismarck, Paula Schneider (Godmother), Bismarck, and great-aunt, JoAnn Arney; uncles, Leonard Martin, WA, Joe Martin, AZ, and Clifford Moser, ND; as well as many cousins and Jim’s countless friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, James Sr. and Jeannette Loehrke and Emmanuel and Theresa Martin; uncles, Tony Martin, Alan Schneider, Roger (Gus) Holle, and Lyle Moltzen; aunts, Loretta Moser, Barbara Martin, Linda Martin, and Beryl Martin; and good friend, Sam Pulles.

In honor of Jim, please dress in your favorite sports team attire for his service.

RIP James, Jim, Little Jim, JLIII, III, Coach.

Gone, but far from forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials that will be used to honor James.