James E. Lovell

James Edwin (Jim) Lovell was born in Charleston, WV on November 20, 1946, and made his final downhill ski run on December 20, 2011. He was raised in McAllen, TX, the third child of Robert Graham Lovell, Sr. and Emma Lou (McCormick) Lovell.

Jim attended the University of Texas in Austin and graduated from American University in Washington, DC. He was a US Navy veteran having served from 1968 to 1972. He returned to Houston in 1972 where he pursued his professional career in the information technology field until his retirement from Mundy Service Corporation in January 2002. He also actively pursued his passions for soaring (founding member of the Soaring Club of Houston), sailing, and the pursuit of the perfect downhill ski run. He lived his life with joy and enthusiasm, and delighted in his family and many friends. After twenty-six years of friendship, Jim married the love of his life on April 2, 2005 in Rockport, TX.

Jim pursued his retirement years with the same enthusiasm and passion as his professional career. He satisfied a life long dream by studying piano for three years. Was a volunteer with the Texas Parks & Wildlife biology lab in Rockport, TX, and most recently was a docent at the International Festival Institute at Round Top. Jim will be remembered for his quick dry wit and offbeat sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Brune) Lovell of La Grange, TX; his mother, Mrs. Emma Lou Lovell of San Antonio, TX; his sister Frances Wolf and her husband Herman of San Antonio, TX, nephew Robert Wolf of Herndon, VA, and niece Elizabeth Wolf of San Antonio, TX; his brother Robert Graham Lovell, Jr. and his wife Rhonda of Portland, TX, niece Amy Zippaion of Portland, TX, and nephew Graham Lovell of Las Vegas , NV. Jim is also survived by his constant companions, Buddy and Joey (aka Da Boyz).

The family would like to thank the employees of Hospice Brazos Valley and Dr. Wess Blackwell for the wonderful care they provided to Jim during his final days. The family also would like to acknowledge the support Jim and Joan received from the Moons of Venus, especially Lynne Walters, during Jim’s illness.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson, La Grange, TX 78945, International Festival Institute at Round Top, PO Box 89, Round Top, TX 78954-0089, or a charity of choice.

“Death leaves a pain no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Arrangements under the direction of Marrs-Jones Funeral Home, Smithville, TX.