James ‘Jim’ L. Strothkamp
Jim Strothkamp, 60, of Japan, MO, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2017 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Jim was born on November 16, 1956 in Washington, MO to the late James F. Strothkamp and Rosemary E. Brendel. He was raised on the Strothkamp home place in Japan, MO, with his four brothers and one sister. He attended Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic School and Sullivan High School, where he participated in FFA. Jim built his home on the family farm where he raised four children (Sarah, Jimmy, Laura and Luke) with his wife, Cheryl Zancauske. Jim was a hardworking man, always had a passion for farming, and continued to farm while starting his own excavation business in 1988. He later expanded into paving, renaming his company Strothkamp Excavating and Paving. Jim went on numerous trips with his sons and siblings to Colorado to hunt elk, and Iowa to hunt pheasants. He loved going trout fishing for his uncle Norris Ruwwe’s birthday, which later turned into an annual fishing gathering at Jim’s lake. He was a life member of the NRA, enjoyed shooting guns and attending shooting matches. Jim was a man of strong character and faith, an active lifelong member of Holy Martyrs of Japan Church where he volunteered his time and service. Jim lived life to the fullest, laughed often and loved much. He didn’t know a stranger and made many friends throughout his life. Jim always loved motorcycles and enjoyed riding his Harley often. Jim’s spirit lives on in his four children and many grandchildren, whom he adored. He entered eternal life November 2, 2017 where he was reunited with loved ones passed.
Jim is survived by his four children, Sarah Romanus and husband, John, of Japan; Jimmy Strothkamp and wife, Katie, of Japan; Laura Strothkamp of Japan; Luke Strothkamp and wife, Lexie, of Japan; five grandchildren, Blair, Kabella and Kamille Strothkamp, and an expected grandson, Jordyn Gerschefske and John Romanus III; spouse (1979-2013), Cheryl Strothkamp; four brothers, Mike Strothkamp and wife, Debbie, of Japan; Wayne Strothkamp and wife, Diane, of Sullivan; Dale Strothkamp and wife, Kelly, of Japan; Bob Strothkamp and wife, Tracy, of Owensville; one sister, Ann Fisher and husband, Keith, of Rosebud; significant other, Dana Sooter; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Rosemary E. (Brendel) Strothkamp; an infant sister; and his nephew, Brandon Fisher.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church with interment in Holy Martyrs Cemetery.
Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2017 and from 4-8 p.m., Friday November 10, 2017 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Friends may send online condolences to the Strothkamp family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home.