James Edward Luff

James was born in Arlington, Minnesota. He was confirmed in his faith in the 1956 confirmation class at the United Methodist Church in Arlington. The class was all boys that year. He graduated from Arlington - Green Isle High School in 1960.

In 1961 James enlisted in the Navy where he received extensive training as an electronics technician. He served honorably. Upon his discharge from the Navy he was employed by Sperry UNIVAC which eventually became Unisys. His entire working adult life was spent with the same company. The job afforded him the opportunity to see much of the United States, Canada and many countries abroad when he was sent to install computer systems.

James resided in Mound, MN, then in Minneapolis, MN for the majority of his adult life where he finally built his dream dome home. He enjoyed history, a good argument over politics and was always a good host and great cook. In 2016 James moved to Tucson, Arizona until the climate became too warm. In 2018 he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He usually had a dog or two as pets, and always did things "his way."

James was preceded in death by his father, Edward M. Luff; his mother, Mickey Beltz; two brothers in infancy; and his bonus parents, Jake and Liz Luff. Survivors include his siblings Mary P. Moeller, Gwen Kessler and husband Bob, Sandra Bargmann and husband Glenn, and Ronald Beltz and wife Nancy; several nieces and nephews; cousins and extended family members; and his special friend Lovish Thakur who did everything he could to help James maintain dignity and quality of life as his health declined.

A graveside service with military honors is scheduled for Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Those who desire may make memorial gifts to their local animal shelter, Wreaths Across America, or the church or charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/chicago-cremation for the Luff family.