James D. Loudermelt

James D. Loudermelt, age 86 of Portage, died on April 13, 2023. He was born on September 29, 1936, in Taylorsville, North Carolina, the son of Grady and Betty (Gragg) Loudermelt. James graduated as a Valedictorian from Magnolia High School in Matewan, West Virginia. He moved to southwest Michigan with his young family after several friends had moved to the Kalamazoo area. James worked at Schafer Bakery until his retirement. Throughout his life, he had a strong work ethic working whatever hours he could to help make ends meet. He showed his love for family and friends in many ways but especially by traveling (both by car and by airplane) to visit and by helping with projects (deck building, flooring, roofing, gardening). He loved to bowl, especially at Airway Lanes, and to golf, especially at Milham golf course. James had achieved both a perfect 300 bowling score and a hole in one playing golf! He liked to work in his yard and to feed neighborhood squirrels and birds. His much loved family includes his children: Natalie (Kirby) Kirch, Lisa Gayle, and Jim (Mary Jane) Loudermelt; his grandchildren: Eric (Bianka) Kirch, Andrea Kirch, Aaron Kirch, Carter Engelman, Trent Engelman, Mayson Loudermelt, and Matson Loudermelt; his great-grandchildren: Sofia and Kirby Kirch; his brothers: J.M. (Virgie) Loudermelt, Jack (Vivian) Loudermelt, and Robert (Beverly) Loudermelt; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Grady, Jr. (Phyllis) Loudermelt, Jerry Loudermelt, and Joyce Justice; and his granddaughter Jocelyn Kirch. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Private interment is planned for a later date at South Portage Cemetery, Portage MI. Please share memories of James with his family at www.langelands.com .