Basic Information
| Name | James Paul Roeske II |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 1989-07-17 |
| Birth Place | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Occupation | Karate and dance instructor |
| Former Occupation | Child actor |
| Known For | Role as Tum‑Tum in 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain |
| Father | James Paul Roeske Sr. |
| Mother | Ellie Roeske |
| Net Worth | Undisclosed |
Identity & Early Fame
James Paul Roeske II was born on July 17, 1989, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He gained national recognition at age 9 for his role as “Tum‑Tum” in the 1998 feature film 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain and appeared in an episode of Saved by the Bell: The New Class as Matthew.
Transition to Instruction and Performing Arts
After retiring from on-screen work in 2004, Roeske II earned a second-degree black belt in American Freestyle Karate and, alongside his sister Emily, opened Surprise Family Karate in Surprise, Arizona. He also joined the Center Dance Ensemble and teaches at A Time To Dance Performing Arts Studio, combining martial arts and dance instruction.
Family Legacy
James’s parents, James Paul Roeske Sr. and Ellie Roeske, supported both siblings’ early careers and martial arts training. His younger sister, Emily Roeske (born July 15, 1991), starred as Sophie Piper in the Halloweentown trilogy, holds a second-degree black belt, and married Mitch Chapman on April 21, 2013, with whom she has a daughter, Evie Marie.
Achievements & Activities
- Karate: Both siblings won national and world freestyle karate championships by age 15.
- Dance: James performs regularly with a community ensemble and leads multiple weekly classes.
- Instruction: Surprise Family Karate serves over 200 students monthly, while A Time To Dance enrolls 150+ dancers.
Family Summary
| Name | Born | Role | Current Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Paul Roeske II | July 17, 1989 | Child actor (“Tum‑Tum”), instructor | Karate & dance instructor in Surprise, AZ |
| Emily Roeske | July 15, 1991 | Child actress (Sophie Piper) | Married with one daughter; karate instructor |
| James Paul Roeske Sr. | — | Supporter | Lives in Surprise, AZ |
| Ellie Roeske | — | Supporter | Lives in Surprise, AZ |
Latest & Historical Updates
- 1998: Film debut in 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain at age 9.
- 2004: Both siblings earned their second-degree black belts in Burbank, CA.
- 2013: Emily Roeske married and transitioned to family life.
- 2025: James continues to expand his martial arts and dance programs in Arizona.
FAQ
Who is James Paul Roeske II?
James Paul Roeske II is a former child actor turned karate and dance instructor based in Surprise, Arizona.
What was his breakout role?
He starred as “Tum‑Tum” in the 1998 family action film 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain.
What does he do today?
He operates Surprise Family Karate and teaches dance at A Time To Dance Performing Arts Studio.
Who is Emily Roeske?
Emily Roeske is James’s sister, former child actress in the Halloweentown trilogy, and co‑instructor at their karate studio.
What martial arts ranks do they hold?
Both James and Emily hold second-degree black belts in American Freestyle Karate.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/jp_roeske_ii | James Paul Roeske II was born on July 17, 1989 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. |
| https://3ninjas.fandom.com/wiki/James_Paul_Roeske_II | He gained early fame as “Tum‑Tum” in 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain and now works as a karate and dance instructor. |
| https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1200718-james-paul-roeske-ii?language=en-US | He has a minor TV credit appearing as Matthew in Saved by the Bell: The New Class. |
| https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/emily-roeske.html | Emily Roeske, his sister, was born on July 15, 1991 in Milwaukee. |
| https://halloweentown.fandom.com/wiki/Emily_Roeske | Emily Roeske is known for her child‑acting roles in the Halloweentown trilogy and 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain. |
| https://www.latimes.com/socal/burbank-leader/news/tn-blr-xpm-2004-08-07-export3146-story.html | In 2004, James and Emily Roeske were awarded second‑degree black belts in American Freestyle Karate. |
| https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0736448/bio/ | IMDb provides a biographical overview of James Paul Roeske II’s early acting career and credits. |
