Loveless, James 1937-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
James “Jim” Loveless, 88, St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was born Jan. 7, 1937, in Nettleton, Missouri, to Fred and Viola (Goodwin) Loveless. He grew up in Hamilton, Missouri, and graduated from Penney High School in 1955.
Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, based in Washington, D.C., during the Bay of Pigs crisis.
He met the love of his life, Janet Marie Lewis, while stationed in Washington, and the couple married on March 4, 1962. They shared 62 years together until she preceded him in death on April 12, 2024.
Jim had a 30 year career with Imperial Central States Oil Company. He was manager of their service station in Hamilton during high school, then after his military service he was regional supervisor and, along with Janet, owned and operated Imperial Super Gas, in St. Joseph.
In his younger years, Jim was an avid bowler. He was inducted into both the St. Joseph Bowling Hall of Fame and the Missouri Bowling Hall of Fame.
Besides his sense of humor, Jim was known for always seeing the best in people and for treating everyone with the same respect. He was extremely generous, helping an untold number of people in many ways, whether it was a free tank of gas or helping them manage their finances. Born from his humble beginnings, Jim led by example for his family of a hardworking, generous man and father.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; his parents; and sisters, Mary Lebo, Helen Hill, and Donna Kay Norris.
Survivors include his son, Bruce Loveless (Diane); daughter, Gwynn Loveless (Greg Marriott); grandchildren, Boston Loveless (Alle), London Day (Noah), and Lauren Wood (James); great-grandchildren, Rory Scott Loveless, Elijah James Wood, and Josephine Faye Loveless; sister, Carolyn Downey; and numerous other extended family members and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10 a.m. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Highland Cemetery, Hamilton. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church or Highland Cemetery, c/o Dana, 208 E. School St., Hamilton, MO 64644.
Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
