James "Jim" Edward Lovell, 67, died on Friday, January 10, 2025. He was born on May 17, 1957 in Berea to the late Stanley and Rita (nee Clough) Lovell. Jim spent most of his life in Columbia and graduated from Columbia High School in 1976 and also attended the Lorain County Joint Vocational School, focusing on food service. Recently, Jim relocated to Elyria.

Jim worked at the Rocky River Water Treatment Plant. He also served as an EMT, an arson inspector and as a fireman for Columbia Township. Jim also worked as a fireman for the Ford Motor Company. Jim drove as a part time bus driver for Columbia for many years. Following his retirement from the Water Treatment Plant, he was a full time bus driver for Fairview schools. He will be remembered by many as a playground attendant at Columbia schools.

Jim loved to cook, and was in one of the first classes to graduate from the Lorain County JVS culinary programs and could often be found in the kitchen for the Fireman Fish Fry, Pancake Breakfast, he also enjoyed cooking for his family. Jim dabbled in farming, enjoyed growing his gardens, and tending his cows and sheep. Other pastimes Jim loved were hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his loving siblings, Terilyn (Juan) Esparza, of NY, Lurene Townsend, of TX, and Tracy Lovell, of Elyria; nieces and nephews, Evelyn McGuire, Will Townsend, Keith (Lori) Lovell, Gabrielle Esparza, Emmanuel Esparza, and Marielle Esparza; and great nieces and nephews, Gracilyn, Cillian, and Arianna. Jim was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, JoAnn Lovell.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S. Main Street, Wellington, where Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at West River Road Cemetery, Columbia Township.

Expressions of sympathy may be given at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.