James George Luehman, 71, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2026, surrounded by his family, following a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 26, 1955, son of Earl and Helen Luehman. After growing up around the world and spending his childhood in places such as Trinidad, Moscow, and Athens, he graduated from the American Community School of Athens, Greece in 1973. Jim then attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1977, and went on to serve as a nuclear-qualified officer in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he began a distinguished 30-year career with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he served until his retirement.
In May of 1983, Jim married his beloved wife, Kathy. Together, they raised two children, Elizabeth and Thomas. Jim was a man of far-reaching interests and talents who generously shared his time with his family, church, and community. He was an avid basketball player, a connoisseur of high-fidelity audio equipment and vinyl records, a formidable chess player, a consummate engineer, a talented athlete, a loyal friend, a caring brother, a dedicated husband and father, and a familiar face and regular visitor at Birdland Music. He loved coaching youth sports, exploring nature, and traveling with his wife, but he especially cherished his role as a grandfather.
Jim’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, community service, and advocacy for those who needed a voice. He will be deeply remembered for his love of his country, his absolute devotion to his family, and his unwavering faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ.
His life is celebrated by his wife Kathy, daughter Elizabeth Curley (Raymond) and grandchildren Charlotte and Lilly, son Thomas Luehman (Avery) and grandchildren Chace and Luke, sister Nancy Luehman, brother John Donald Dell (Ann), sister Ruth Beiler (Rich), and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim’s family would like to thank all those who supported him both during his battle with cancer as well as the staff of Westminster Canterbury at Home Hospice that allowed him to pass at home in peace. We would like to specifically thank Heather, Casey, Dawn, Jackie, and Whitney for their care and support.
A celebration of life service will be held 10AM, Saturday, September 5th at Trinity Church at the Oceanfront Campus with a reception following. Memorial contributions can be made to Manna Ministry of Tidewater, 216 Business Park Drive, Suite B Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
