James Robert Kuhlman

James Robert Kuhlman died Aug. 17. He was 84.

Kuhlman was born on March 7, 1929, to Arthur William and Marie (Hamlett) Kuhlman in Manchester, Iowa. He grew up in Edgewood, Iowa with his sisters Billie and Yvonne and his brother Jack.

Kuhlman graduated from Edgewood High School and immediately joined the Navy. After his service, he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at UC Berkeley and worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for 34 years.

Kuhlman was a pilot and a lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. He was a jump master, a parachutist instructor and completed more than 800 jumps. He was fortunate to survive a jump when both chutes failed, but was able to force the reserve chute to open. He was devoted to his faith in God and his family and made many sacrifices on their behalf. His good humor, friendly manner and strength of character endeared him to all those who met him. Kuhlman loved adventure and participated in many sports including motorcycle racing, demolition derby and skydiving.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Kuhlman; three sons, Eric, Neil and Chris Kuhlman; seven stepchildren; 17 step-grandchildren; sister, Billie Parker of Phoenix Ariz.; brother, Jack Kuhlman of Ceres, Calif. and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Services will be held at Central Avenue Baptist Church, 994 N. Central Ave., Modesto on Friday, Aug. 23, at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Santa Nella National Cemetery Monday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m.