James Howard Lochridge

A memorial service is 2 p.m. today at the Deseret Drive Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Minden for Minden resident James Howard Lochridge, 83, who died May 1, 2010 in Gardnerville. Viewing will be at 1 p.m.

Born Feb. 23, 1927, in Artesia, Calif., to Jesse Leroy and Leora Lochridge, he was 16 during World War II when he joined the Merchant Marine because he couldn't join the Navy as his three older brothers did. In 1990, his service was recognized by the U.S. government and he was given full veteran status.

He and wife Dorothy were married Sept. 24, 1948. The couple moved to Lake Tahoe in 1965 with their five children. They lived in Agate Bay, Calif., for 37 years.

Mr. Lochridge served as a coach for Little League baseball after his own sons were grown. He worked for the North Tahoe Public Utility District for 17 years until his retirement in 1987.

While working for the district, he was called "Dad" by the younger and less experienced workers there.

The couple moved to Minden in March 2002. Last September they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

He is survived by wife Dorothy; sons James Jr. (Michelle), Robert (Paula) and Ronald; daughters Kathleen (Michael) Burmer and Denise (Johnny) Ortiz; sister Margaret Walker; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Burial will be at Rose Hills Cemetery, Whittier, Calif.