Obituary of Jim Carroll Lovett

Jim Carroll Lovett 4/14/46 – 5/25/08 Jim was born in Olympia, Washington to William and Theda Lovett, and was the middle brother to Ted and Don Lovett. After graduating from Olympia High School, Jim joined the Navy and was assigned to the VR21 Naval Air Station in Hawaii. Jim was proud to have served in the Pacific during the Vietnam War, and often talked about his experiences flying in and out of the war zone. The Navy gave him the opportunity to “see the world” of Guam, Thailand, and Japan. One favorite story Jim shared often was when he made an unscheduled flight carrying a general to somewhere in the Pacific. As part of this crew he was assigned to cook the general’s meals. So the loadmaster became a cook. From that point on, Jim was forever serving friends and family his Chef Surprise and some of the best barbeques ever. And no matter the occasion, Jim was ordered to bring his famous one-of-a kind fried chicken wings. Jim finished his tour in January, 1969. Jim returned to Olympia where he met and married Kitty Levette on June 19, 1970. Jim and Kitty moved to Ellensburg that winter so Jim could take advantage of the GI Bill to complete his college education at Central Washington University. Jim often laughed about scheduling classes around the soap opera “All My Children” so he and his friends wouldn’t miss the daily drama. Although Jim graduated in Social Science, History and Geology were his favorite subjects. Our excursions and future trips were always full of history lessons and rock formations. Jim not only received his BA from Central, but also became a father at the same time. Daughter Becky was born December 28, 1971. Becky was the highlight of his life, and Jim took great pride in helping and watching her grow. Jim’s work career was, like Jim, consistent and loyal. Jim began working at the Washington State Department of Revenue in an entry level position and rose to become a Compliance Manager, retiring in 1999. Jim loved working with the people at Revenue and often talked about the people he hired becoming very successful. But work was only a part of who Jim was. Jim also had a career of being a wonderful son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Camping with his folks on the Washington Peninsula was a favorite early pastime. Jim and Kitty often visited older brother Ted in Arizona to enjoy his company, spring training, boat races and the warm weather. Jim marveled at and always admired younger brother Don’s gift of artistic vision, something Jim could never quite accomplish. In November, 1992, Jim and Kitty celebrated the marriage of Becky to Doug Slosson, giving Jim a cherished memory of a wedding dance with his daughter. Jim’s grandchildren, Cody, Nate and Kate always brought him great happiness and he was extremely proud of his family. Jim loved watching the kids grow up and become young men and women. Grandpa Jimbo attended many soccer, baseball, and basketball games, and could see their bright futures each day. His most special time with the kids was our recent trip to Hawaii. The memories we share will last a lifetime. Jim was a traveler by nature and loved to take on the role of trip planner and social director. Jim enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, California, Arizona and Oregon with his family and friends. Oftentimes Jim would plan vacations with his in-laws, Bill and Kay Levette, discovering new routes and taking on new adventures each time. As good a planner that Jim was, we always laughed about ending up in the industrial district of every city we visited. The Puget Sound always held a place in Jim’s heart, first as a Sea Cadets and later as the owner of a beautiful 27’ Carver. Jim and Kitty enjoyed many trips with friends and family to Gig Harbor and the San Juan Islands. He loved the feeling of being on the open waters where he could skipper a “ship” and be with first mate Kitty. Jim’s memories of women’s softball were some of his best. Besides helping to build Bucknell Field, Jim spent countless hours dragging the fields and lining the bases. Jim loved traveling all over the state with the Shady Ladies baseball team, camping out and cooking for the team, and coaching many who became lifetime friends. All work and no play, for Jimbo? Not so. Jim was involved in sports of all kinds. Jim played pool (learning snooker at Pops), played team darts and was on a bowling team for several years. He even played a little golf. Jim faithfully followed the Seahawks and Mariners, even in the lean years. Our trips to Arizona usually included a spring training game. Jim especially loved his wine and barrel tasting trips to Eastern Washington, Oregon and California. Jim could talk for hours about Russian River Valley versus Eastern Washington reds. One of his favorite trips was taking the “Fruit Loop” in the Yakima Valley. Some of our best memories are traveling and tasting with our family and friends. And how could we not mention Jim’s life, love and friendships with the people and staff of O’Blarney’s Pub. Jim was always a part of the O’Blarney’s family, and we know he’ll be terribly missed as an original member of the Round Table Board of Directors. Jim, you are truly loved by all who were fortunate to have you in their lives. You gave us laughs, memories and sage advice. What will we do without you. Jim was preceded in death by his father, William, and his close friend and father-in-law, Bill Levette. Jim is survived by his mother, Theda; brothers, Ted and Don (Margo). Jim also leaves behind his loving in-laws; Kay Levette, Steve (Barbara) Levette, and Barbara (Dave) Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. Missing Grandpa Jimbo beyond words will be Kitty, Becky and Doug, Cody, Nate and Kate. We love you Grandpa Jimbo. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life on June 8th at 1:00 p.m., Masonic Center, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. The family requests donations be made in Jim’s name to the William Lovett Fund—Olympia Child Care Center, c/o The Community Foundation, 111 Market Street NE, #375, Olympia, WA 98501 or to a charity of your choice.