Sending sincere condolences to Jim’s entire family . I met Jim in my freshman year of college at Edinboro State College ( now Edinboro University) We met when I joined The Ski Patrol at Mount Pleasant. We became best friends very quickly and were inseparable during my four years at Edinboro. We shared so many good times and happy memories on our skis, bikes and with our friends. Jim helped, supported and” tutored” me in science and typed all of my papers for me( long before PC’s and laptops). Jim was an incredible and gifted teacher and was loved by his fellow teachers and students. He was a thoughtful, loyal and amazing friend and a kind and gentle soul. May his memory be a blessing.

I lost one of my absolute giants this month. James was a natural and gifted teacher for 4 decades - the type you read about in magazines, or hear about on those old Sunday Morning Charles Kuralt shows. He knew how to light the spark in the brains of kids - in Science and Math, and the absolute wonders of the world and Astronomy. It was his passion - and one he championed among those he taught. When I was 14, he was the one that took me on fishing trips to get me out of the house, while my mom was going through the brutalities of Chemo - traveling a dead end street lined with 4 or 5 different simultaneous cancers. He sat me down in 1984 and said: “You know she doesn’t have much longer before the end comes.” Words I needed to hear out loud, as a jerk adolescent. In 1979 or so, he was a Geology student of my fathers. He soon became one of my parents’ closest friends, and a true uncle figure for me - but also far MORE than an uncle. Never one to shy away from the truth, he taught me many good - and sometimes difficult lessons. He was a born scientist, and he always strove for truth in all things. I owe a great deal of who I am as a man, to the teachings of James Steven Loeffler. My desire to learn… my sense of humor…humility…even elements of my laugh. He cooked. He gardened. He made people laugh nervously, even when they knew the jokes were a little too dirty for polite company. He was (as my mother so aptly put it) “…beautiful until he opened his mouth to speak.” I know you had your battles James, and you didn’t win every one. But I am honored to have shared some very special time on this planet with you. God Speed. I hope you and Kim (and my parents; Art and Helen,) are whooping it up and telling good stories long into the never-ending night. You were loved my friend.

Jimmy was a friend of mine in college. It was many years ago and my memory has faded, but whenever I picture him, we’re laughing together. Rest easy Jimmy. ♥️

I'm so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We taught science across the hall from each other, and had wonderful times together at Princess Anne. Often, before school, Jim, Mrs. Agami, and I would be laughing so much at his comments - our days couldn't have started any better. I appreciated the produce he thoughtfully brought in from his amazing gardens, especially since I could seem to grow anything. Jim was always the one with the answers, and always willing to share materials and ideas. I hope memories of him are of some comfort to Maddie and his family during these difficult days.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.