James H. Ludens

James “Jim” H. Ludens, age 83 of Portage, died on June 1, 2024. He was born on August 2, 1940, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the son of Harold and Esther (Ten Haken) Ludens. Jim was a graduate of Oostburg High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Central College in Pella, IA, and his PhD from the University of Iowa. Jim was a research scientist, working in Cardiovascular Disease for 21 years for The Upjohn Company, retiring in 1996. On June 18, 1965, he married Judy Lam and they had three children. Jim was active with their sons in Boy Scouts and their daughter in swimming. Jim was very active in church activities. He loved to travel and had visited all 50 states. Jim and Judy enjoyed cruises, camping, and several trips to Europe. He volunteered with Worldwide Lab Improvements, providing refurbished medical equipment for third world countries. He took several trips with WW Lab to train people how to use the equipment. In later years, he found a new passion for flying and received his pilot’s license.

His family includes his wife, Judy Ludens; his children: Douglas (Rebecca) Ludens, Dara (Craig) Bosker, and David (Aaryn) Ludens; his grandchildren: Bethany, Lindsey, Mikhail, Kendall, Seena, Calvin, and Cadence; his great-grandchildren: Ava, Theodore, and Maisie; his sisters: Linda Lensink and LuAnn (Craig) Mentink; his brother, Donald (Jill) Ludens; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service for Jim will be held on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, where the family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Please share memories of Jim with his family at www.langelands.com