James L. Ludwig        “beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother

James L. “Jim” Ludwig, 89, a longtime resident of Keating Summit, passed away at home in the comforting presence of his loving family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born on Wednesday, March 20, 1935, in Emporium, he was a son of James Villella and Bessie Smith Villella Ludwig.  Jim was adopted by Mahlon Ludwig and was raised by Francis Yarter.  On October 7, 1955, in Winchester Virginia, he married Monica M. Buerk, who survives.

Jim attended a one room schoolhouse from first to sixth grade in Emporium.  He then went to school in Costello and graduated from Austin Area School.  He owned and operated Ludwig’s Garage in Keating Summit for over 50 years where he also ran an inspection station.  He also ran a stone quarry and was a police officer for 30 years.

Jim was a 33^rd Degree Mason, being a member of Mountain Lodge No. 281 F &AM in Altoona.  He had formerly been a member of Eulalia Lodge No. 342 F & AM in Coudersport.  He was a very active member of the Coudersport Consistory and a member of the York Right College.  He was also a member of Arnold Royal Arch Chapter No. 254.

Jim cherished his family and loved to get together with them on the hill.  He loved golfing, riding motorcycles, and mowing his property.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Monica; two sons, James P. Ludwig of Keating Summit, PA and Dale Ludwig of Coudersport, PA; three daughters, Deborah (Paul) Gabor of Emporium, Tonyia (Dan) Wennin of Emporium, and Laura (James) Narby of Emporium; three sisters, Marion Barrett, Ruth Baker, and Virginia; eight grandchildren, Dwane Edgar, Gabriel Edgar, Francis Buckingham, Louis Ludwig, Christina Ludwig, Monica Dixon, Danielle (Philip) Reed, and Alexis (Jake) Frank; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by a son, Ronald Edgar; a granddaughter, Samantha Ludwig; two brothers, Jerry Ludwig and Bill Villella; and a sister, Patty.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.  There will be a public celebration of life at Jim and Monica’s residence on a date and time to be announced. 

Jim’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cameron County Ambulance Service, 229 E 2^nd Street, Emporium, PA 15834.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Jim, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.