James Ehrke
May 25, 1949 - March 23, 2024 Chico, CA
James Wyatt Ehrke, 74, of Chico, CA passed away March 23, 2024, peacefully at home with his family by his side after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Jim was born on May 25, 1949 to Martin and Alice (Schneider) Ehrke. He was the youngest brother to Thomas and William Ehrke. Jim grew up and spent most of his life in Woodland, attending Holy Rosary School and graduating from Woodland High School, class of 1967 where he made many lifelong friends. He continued his education at Heald’s Business College before working 30 years at J. Barth Company as an office Manager. In later years, with the help of his business partners he started Woodland Heating and Air Conditioning until his retirement in 2012. Jim met and married the love of his life Karen Glunz in 1975. A year later in 1976 they welcomed their oldest son, Jahm Ehrke. Three years later in 1979 they had their daughter Krista Ehrke. Jim was a family man; he loved his family and his life revolved around all of them. He spent the early years coaching many of his son’s sports and supporting his kids in all their extra-curricular activities. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman and he got to spend last October on his final deer hunt in Wyoming with his son, brother, and nephews. Jim also enjoyed traveling with his wife Karen and they made many travel memories through the years. He was also known to take trips to Reno, in hopes he could have a little luck gambling. Jim loved sports, especially those that involved watching his grandkids. He also loved to watch a San Francisco Giants game and rooted the 49ers on in the Super Bowl. He will be missed for his wonderful cooking and many family meals he prepared. Jim always had a smile on his face and was ready to have a good time whether he was with his family or friends. Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen, his son and daughter in law, Jahm and Wendy Ehrke, daughter and son in law Krista and Mike Andersen, grandchildren, Trenton and Chase Ehrke and Emma, William, Alexis and Hannah Andersen. He is also survived by his brothers, Tom (Debbie) and Bill Ehrke, Sister in law Jeanette Marquez, Brother in Law and Sister in Law Greg and Lynn Anderson, Nephews Garth Ehrke, Marc, Craig and Eric Marquez, Nieces Dianne Ehrke, Kim Mayfield and Kelly Timothy. He is proceeded in death by his parents Martin and Alice Ehrke, in laws Christian and Lottie Glunz, Nephews Brett and Sam Ehrke, and brother in law Phil Marquez. The family would like to thank UCD Med Center, Enloe hospital and Butte Home Hospice for the care up until the end. A celebration of life will be held on April 13, 2024 at the Yolo Flyers Club at 11:00 am, 17980 Co. Rd. 94B, Woodland, CA 95695. In lieu of flowers the family request donation to be made in Jim’s name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or The Make a Wish Foundation.