James Robert Lovchik

James Lovchik, known to family and friends as Jim, passed away on January 14th, 2025 at the age of 89 years in the city of Yorba Linda. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Charlotte Lovchik (nee Hacker), daughter Diane Ahern (Joe) and son Michael Lovchik (JulieAnn), 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren

Jim was born in 1935 in Minot, North Dakota, to John and Mildred Lovchik (nee Schuler). He is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Judith Lovchik.

Jim and his family moved to the Los Angeles area in the early 1940’s, where he attended Mount Carmel High School. Upon graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1953 to 1955 as an encryption decoder, stationed in Greenland. After his honorable discharge, Jim attended Northrup University in Inglewood CA, receiving a degree in electronic engineering, and quickly went to work in the Aerospace Industry. From 1957 to his retirement in 1991, Jim worked at various times for McDonnel Douglas, Rockwell and Boeing, participating in the Apollo Project, the B1 & B2 Bomber Project and later Shuttle Programs.

Jim met the love of his life, Charlotte Hacker, on a double date with his best friend Mark DeLisle and his cousin Grace Schuler in 1955. Both couples later married within months of each other in 1960. Diane was born in 1961, and Mike was adopted in 1966. The Lovchik family lived in the same Buena Park home from 1960 to 2021, creating many wonderful memories for family and friends.

Jim and Charlotte moved to Serento Rosa (now Bayshire) Assisted Living Center in Yorba Linda in 2021. They were known for their affection towards each other, and Jim was especially known and loved by care-takers for his jokes and good-natured teasing. The Lovchik/Ahern families sincerely appreciate all the love and care shown by the Bayshire staff to Jim and Charlotte over the past 3 years.

Jim will always be remembered for his quirky sayings (affectionately known as “Poppa-isms”), his Catholic faith, and his strong love of family.

There will be a viewing at McCauley Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton on Monday 1/27/2025 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral services and Catholic mass will be held at Santa Clara De Asis Catholic Church in Yorba Linda on Tuesday 1/28/2025 at 10:00am. Burial will be a private family event the following day at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange.