Roll Call Tribute

James Henry "Jim" Echterhoff, Jr. 

December 13, 1942 - January 31, 2025 

James "Jim" Henry Echterhoff, Jr., 82, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

Jim was born in 1942 in Bryan, Texas. He was a graduate of C.E. Byrd High School and Texas A&M University, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering. Jim served as a member of Company D-2 in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Upon graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and served his country honorably. His military assignments included Thailand and Washington, D.C., where he met the love of his life, Jean Freeman. They married in Alexandria, Virginia, and later returned to Shreveport, Louisiana, where they raised their family.

Jim built a lifelong career as a small business owner. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Shreveport and also a member of ASHRAE. Jim was deeply committed to his employees, his clients, and the many stray cats that took shelter in his warehouses. He had a soft spot for these adopted pets, making special trips on holidays and snow days to ensure they had food and a warm place to rest.

Jim was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. An avid runner, sailor, and golfer, he enjoyed trying new hobbies and took great pleasure in spending time with his family. He especially loved spending summers at the family lake cabin in Minnesota, where he created lasting family memories boating and biking with his grandchildren. Jim’s boundless energy, commitment, and devotion to those he cared about shaped his life. His legacy of love and dedication will live on through those that knew him.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Christine Darby and Melissa Hamilton (Louis), and their families; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Freeman Echterhoff; his loving parents, Marion Blanchard and James H. Echterhoff, Sr.; and his two brothers.

The family will hold a private celebration of his life. Memorial contributions may be made to Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets: https://corps.tamu.edu/make-an-impact.