Jim Loren Lohr

Jim L. Lohr, 82, died June 24, 2017, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, MO. Jim was born in Colchester, IL, on September 22, 1934. He was the oldest son of Loren and Katherine (Jarvis) Lohr. Jim lived his early life in Colchester, later moving to Poplar Bluff, MO, where he graduated from high school. Jim attended Southeast Missouri College on an athletic scholarship, where he earned a varsity letter in four sports, with football and track and field as his primary focus. In the shot put, Jim held the SEMO record and was All-Conference. Jim was an All-American offensive lineman his senior year, as well as captain of SEMO's undefeated 1955 team. Upon graduation, Jim was drafted by the Baltimore Colts, but he had a commitment to the Marine Corps to complete before being able to join the Colts. Jim served proudly as a tank commander and an officer in the Marine Corps, and reported to training camp with the Colts in 1958. An injury prior to the beginning of the regular season closed the door on his playing career but opened the door to what would become his true calling, coaching. Jim's first job was that of a teacher and assistant football coach at Cape Central High School. From there he went on to become the head football coach at Poplar Bluff High School, where he also coached basketball and track and field. Throughout Jim's time with Poplar Bluff, he coached many athletes that went on to play college football, including some who went on to play professionally, as well as coaching the only undefeated football team in Poplar Bluff's history (1966). During the summer of 1969, Jim toured Europe with the USA national track team as a shot put and discus coach. Following that summer, Jim began the next chapter in his coaching career, as a defensive line coach with his alma mater, Southeast Missouri College. Eventually Jim earned the position of head coach, winning multiple conference championships. Coaching was Jim's true passion, and his true loves were his players and the men with whom he coached. Jim maintained friendships with many of these men that would last until the end of his life. After retiring from coaching, Jim filled other roles in the university that utilized his skills and background, including serving as assistant athletic director. Following his retirement, Jim enjoyed fishing, gardening, and storytelling, a skill that provided many of his friends and family with hours of entertainment. Eventually, Jim moved to his beloved family farm in Colchester, IL, where he would spend some of his happiest years with his wife, Janie. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Katherine; his brother, Bob, and his wife, Jane. Jim is survived by his two sons, David (Connie) and John (Julie) Lohr, his three grandchildren, Allison, Sara, and Lucas, as well as his sister-in-law, Barbara, and his niece, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30th at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 1st at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Dr. Joe Worth Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Scholarship Fund.

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Jim Loren Lohr

September 22, 1934 - June 24, 2017