James Michael “Jim” Ludden, age 72, of Cedar Springs, passed quietly away on Monday afternoon, May 16, 2011 surrounded by his family at St. Mary’s Health Care in Grand Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Margaret Ludden; a brother, Tom; a sister, MaryAnn; and his beautiful dog friend, Blondie.

Jim was a philosopher, intense, passionate, and insatiable; he was always learning something new, right up to the end. He took it all in and there was nothing he loved more than to sit, downing cup after cup of coffee and talking about the world he was endlessly fascinated by.

His memory will burn in the hearts of his survivors, including his beloved wife of 39 years, Janie; daughters, Jamie and Heather; son, Sam; grandson, Sammy James; sister-in-law, Barbara; nieces, Lisa and Julie; nephew, Eric; cousins, Johnny, Kurt, Rick, and MaryLynn; sisters-in-law, Ruthie, Joann, and Marva; brothers-in-law. Paul, Dale, and Jerry; nieces, Tonya, Kristen, and Erin; nephews, Jake, Rocky, Derek, Geoff, Greg, and Robin; many, many grand nieces and nephews; and his dear friend, Michelle.

On Friday, May 20th, there will be a memorial open house beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the home Jim shared with his wife at 39 Oak Street in Cedar Springs.