James Michael “Jim” Ludlum (Lud) of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, was born on January 29, 1952, the son of Willard and Agnes (Palzkill) Ludlum. He married Sheila (Gilman) Ludlum on June 7, 1985. Jim and Sheila had two sons, and Sheila preceded him in death on February 21, 2008. Jim was reunited with Sheila on January 6, 2022, when he passed away in the line of duty due to an accident between the fire truck he was in responding to a call, and a semi-truck.

Jim enjoyed serving his community in numerous ways, and Mineral Point will always cherish his service and the memories made. Jim was always available when needed and relied upon when duty called, with his calm demeanor, ready to selflessly complete the task at hand. He worked as an ag mechanic at the Farmers Store for over 50 years, working on tractors and just about anything else people stopped in for him to look at. He served 22 dutiful years in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he was affectionately called “Sergeant Lugnuts” by some. He was a dedicated, active member of the Ss. Mary & Paul Catholic Church, where he could always be seen at mass and was a cherished member of the pastry making crew. And, of course, he loyally served the Mineral Point Fire Department, which he joined in October of 1984. He shared his passion for fire service with his son, Troy.

Jim had a passion for fishing and left many great memories of ice fishing adventures for friends and family. He was also passionate about farming, which allowed him to spend time with his grandchildren and cause trouble with Rooster.

Jim is survived by his sons, Adam Ludlum and Troy (Tiffany) Ludlum of Mineral Point; his grandchildren, Rylee, Erica Rose, Preston, and Austin (Rooster); his siblings, Clarita Scott of Beloit, John (Marilyn) Ludlum of Monroe, Mary Schweitzer of Mineral Point, Robert (Marlene) of Mineral Point, Thomas (Kate) Ludlum of Dodgeville, Charles (Leah) Ludlum of Madison, Terry (James) Gevelinger of Mineral Point, and Kenneth (Susan) Ludlum of Belmont; his sister-in-law, Jackie Ludlum; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Shelia, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Agnes Ludlum; his brother, William Ludlum; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Scott and James Schweitzer.