James M. Lovejoy, 75, a happily retired lifelong resident of the town of Rolling Prairie, Ind., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, at Northwest Health – La Porte.
He was born Jan. 9, 1946, in Great Falls, Mont., to James M. Lovejoy and Helen Marion Martinowitz.
James proudly served in the United States Army as a sergeant E5 from Sept. 27, 1965, to Sept. 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War era. He later worked and retired from Edcoat, a local steel plant in New Carlisle, Ind. Since his retirement in the early 2000s, James spent the majority of his time avidly reading books and keeping up with local news.
James enjoyed many hobbies and activities, but his favorite was watching each and every one of his grandchildren play ball. He attended every high school baseball game of his grandson, Cole, and kept statistics of every player on the team for all 4 years of varsity baseball. He went to every one of his granddaughters’ softball games and recorded statistics for their games as well. When his great-grandchildren recently began playing ball, he followed suit, being at every game for them. James loved watching them all play.
James will be remembered for his sarcastic attitude and witty comebacks, as he had a select few phrases he loved to say. He was notorious for telling his grandkids that if they grabbed a snack while visiting his house, “Leave a dollar!” or asking them, “Does this look like a hotel to you?”, always chuckling at their confusion. James had several phrases he loved saying that are rated for a mature audience. These phrases can now be laughed and smiled at by his grandchildren as they repeat them in his memory. He will be deeply missed by all of his loved ones.
On Nov. 13, 1965, he married Sue Ann Fall, who preceded him in death on Sept. 2, 2021. James and Sue enjoyed 55 years of marriage.
His parents also preceded him in death.
Surviving James are his daughter, Lori Winters; son, Ron Lovejoy; 4 grandchildren, Cole Winters, Ashley Thayer, Haley Spencer and Damen Lovejoy; and 2 great-grandchildren, Kyndra Thayer and Logan Spencer. James was a proud Yorkie dog owner and he leaves behind his 14-year-old Yorkie, Reggie.
Per his request, cremation will take place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, 55 E. Monroe St., Suite 3420, Chicago, Ill. 60603; or the National Autism Association, One Park Avenue, Suite 1, Portsmouth, R.I. 02871.
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