Legendary Central Methodist University professor, coach, and athletic director Dr. James Luetjen passed away on Tuesday, July 9, at the age of 91. 

Dr. Luetjen was a prominent figure on the Central campus for nearly three decades, serving as head men’s basketball coach, professor of education, athletic director, and chair of the physical education department from 1965 to 1992. 

“Central has lost a true legend. ‘Doc’ Luetjen was a man of impeccable character and was an incredible mentor to so many CMU Alumni,” said CMU Director of Athletics Jeff Sherman. “He was the ultimate role model at Central over his nearly 30-year career. More importantly, he was a great friend who treated everyone with great respect and dignity. In other words, he was an amazing human being.”

At the time of his retirement, Dr. Luetjen had worked under four different university presidents and served longer as director of athletics than anyone in Central’s history (1967-1992). He was essential in building the facilities for many Central athletic programs and the relationships and structure that made them great. Dr. Luetjen retired with the title Professor of Physical Education, Emeritus.

The James M. Luetjen Scholar Athlete Award and the Dr. James Luetjen Golf Tournament were both named in his honor, established in 1987 and 1991, respectively. In honor of his accomplished career, Luetjen was elected to the Sweet Spring High School and the Moberly Junior College Hall of Fame.

Additionally, he was inducted into the Central Methodist Hairston Hall of Fame in 1997.

Luetjen married Libby Holman in 1953 and had three children, Larry ’78, Steven ’79, and Amy ’86, all of whom went on to be Central graduates. James and Libby were also blessed to have 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

“Over the past few days, it has been uplifting to hear and read the many comments sharing stories and the influence that Dr. Luetjen had on people’s lives,” added Sherman. “There has been no greater influence on my career at Central than Doc. I and our Central family loved him dearly.”

Services for Dr. Luetjen were held on Saturday, July 13, at Linn Memorial Church on the Central Methodist campus.

An obituary for Dr. Luetjen appears here and on Page 3 of the print and e-ditions.