Jack Irving Lovell

Dear Family of Jack Lovell,
I didn't know a lot about Jack, but we served together in VP-22 at Barber's Point, Hawaii from 1965 to 1968 when I departed for Italy.  We became friends after learning we both grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated the same year in 1964.  Whenever we talked about Grand Rapids it was usually about our days competing in sports.  He had fond memories of playing against my high school, South High School and the spirited games played between Creston and South.  Jack was a really great guy and I'm sorry he's gone too early.  I found his obituary after searching for him in the class yearbook of 1964.  I always wondered what happened to him and where life had taken him.  We often meet great people in the military and I'm glad our paths crossed and that we were able, as guys from Grand Rapids, to serve together, albeit too short.  May God grant you peace and rest, my friend and squadron mate.  Just sorry we can't share more stories about the lives we lived between '65 and '18. I had family in Olympia and visited there many times but I just didn't know Jack was in Washington State. We'll catch up, Jack, on the other side.

Dear Mary and family,
Greg and I are so sorry for your loss. Jack was a good man with a ready smile and uplifting words.  May your many  golden memories help you during this time. Our prayers are with you all.

Mary and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack. Please know I’m sending lots of love and prayers to all of you. It’s important for you to know that you can do things in your own time line. I still have Dale’s shoes sitting by the back door, it’s only been a year and a half. Call anytime.

I was shocked to read Jack's obituary in the Yakima Herald.  I haven't had any communication with Jack and Mary since their move to Seattle a few years ago so I have no idea what happened.  I just know that Jack was a great guy.  He had a calm, friendly demeanor, very likeable and easy to be with.   Of course I didn't know him in a  competitive environment, but I expect he was a gracious winner and loser.
Mary, I am so sorry to hear about losing Jack.  I wish you the best.  I know you are surrounded by family and friends.  The move to Seattle was the right thing to do.  It sounds like Jack got be grandpa which was what it was all about.

My strongest memory of "cousin" Jack was when our families were camping way up North, on an island or one of the Great Lakes. A few of the guys were fishing from shore. Jack was fighting a big one on his line and as he was about to reel it onto shore, the fish fell off the hook.  I'll always remember Jack running and diving into the water to grab that fish!! Such fond memories of those days. Not to mention when we went to see him graduate from the Navy, we all got stranded in a huge snow storm. Although he was eight years older, my memory of Jack will always be that of gentleness and kindness. Thinking of all of you and thankful to have had Jack in our lives.