James Allan Loepp

Published in the North County Times on 12/25/2008

James (Jim) Allan Loepp, 79 OCEANSIDE --James (Jim) Allan Loepp passed away on Monday, December 22, 2008. Jim was born in Baltimore, MD, on May 15, 1929 to George Loepp, a major league center fielder, and his wife Mildred, a home economics school teacher.

When a team trade returned his father to the minor leagues, he ended his baseball career and moved the family to Detroit, MI to join other Loepp family members. Jim graduated from Pershing High in Detroit and also attended Lawrence Tech.

The family moved west to California and settled in San Gabriel. Jim's father taught him to pitch a baseball and Jim then began his eight year baseball career, playing throughout the United States and Canada for several minor league clubs.

He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served as a medic in first aid stations along the front lines.

When discharged from the service, he became a race track employee, working for 32 years at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita Race Tracks.

Retirement brought him to the Carlsbad area and for the past 14 years, he has lived in Oceanside. Jim was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was financially supportive of many charities.

He is survived by his devoted long-time companion, June Gollahon; and his beloved Boston Terrier, Halle Noel. A cousin, Jolene Ford, of Santa Fe Springs also survives. At his request, no services will be held.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Accu-Care Cremation Center of Carlsbad. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com.