Jim Richard Loukes

James “Jim” Richard Loukes, age 83 of Duluth, died on August 13, 2024. He was born on June 24, 1941, to parents Benjamin Louks and Toyne Nurmi. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1959 where he ran track and cross-country and took first place at the Minnesota State Championships twice. In September of 1962, Jim met Joanne Jacobs, at the canal park Dairy Queen and a few weeks later asked her on their first date - a football game at Denfeld High School. They were engaged 3 months later and on February 8, 1964, they were married by Fr Patrick Corbett at St. James Catholic Church. They went on to enjoy 60 years of happy marriage. They enjoyed traveling, dancing, and even became co-presidents of a local square dancing club. In December of 1964 they welcomed their first daughter, Julie, and in February of 1967, they welcomed their second daughter, Diana. Jim was a life-long Duluthian except when his military service took the family to Europe during the Vietnam War. Jim was an intelligence officer and his assignments had them stationed in France (Paris) and Germany (Frankfurt) but also gave them an opportunity to travel to the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and England. 

After his service he graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts in 1969. In civilian life he was a sr. grant writer at UMD for over 30 years and established the office of Sponsored Projects Administration where he worked with and was friends with many of the faculty and staff. Jim was a prolific writer of both poetry and political opinion pieces and even won an Editor’s Choice Award in 1993 from The National Library of Poetry. Jim enjoyed running throughout his life and was a member of the North Shore Striders alongside his brothers Kerry and Ben. This running club was the precursor to Grandma’s Marathon. Jim ran a total of 3 marathons in his life and countless shorter races.

 Jim was a Past Post Commander for the American Legion, a member of the Vietnam Veterans Association and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim is remembered by many as a kind, compassionate, smart, and witty man. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather and will be remembered for many generations to come.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Roger & Ben Loukes. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; daughters, Julie Ruikka and Diana (Darin) Dennis; grandchildren, Evan Ruikka, Elaine (Nick) Sweiven, and Avery Bowes; brother, Kerry (Joyce) Louks; sister-in-laws, Nancy Loukes, Claudia Godfrey, and Pat Pohlman; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 19th at 11:00 am with a Visitation beginning at 10:00 am in St. John’s Catholic Church, 4230 St Johns Ave, Duluth, MN 55803. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army. Interment at Calvary Cemetery.