James Howard Ladwig

05/18/1948 - 03/30/2023

James Howard Ladwig, age 74, of Longmont, Colorado went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 30, 2023 surrounded by his family, after a four-year journey with cancer. James, the son of Bud and Yvonne (Poach) Ladwig, was born on May 18, 1948 in Barnesville, MN, where he was raised on a farm.

He graduated from Barnesville High School in June 1966 and was a member of the Minnesota National Guard. James married Diane Korbel, March 2,1968 and had three children. In September of 1993 he married Valorie (Wade) Herman helping to raise a second family with two stepdaughters.

James was a farmer, then became a semi driver, retiring in May, 2004 from Super Valu. After moving to Colorado in 2005, James pursued his passion of collecting Whitman Juvenile Books from the 1940’s and Leather Bound, 1st Edition books, by his favorite author, Louis L’Amour. James volunteered at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge as well as Meals on Wheels. In his later years he was able to return to farming, assisting his son-in-law Jason Snell during planting and harvesting seasons, primarily driving the grain cart. Additionally, he enjoyed driving the riding lawn mowers at both daughter’s homes, occasionally mowing few plants or shrubs.

James is survived by his wife Valorie, her two daughters Jodi (Jason) Snell, Chokio, MN and Heather (Michael) Gunter, Longmont, CO, sons Michael (Cherie) Ladwig, Racine WI, Tony Ladwig, Fargo, ND and beloved daughter, DeeAnn Ladwig, Knoxville, TN, as well as sisters Linda (Dennis) Kasin, Mary Ernst and brother Steve (Mary) Ladwig. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Brenda.