James Edward Lovejoy

Trucker, fisherman, and musician James Lovejoy’s larger than life personality will live on, even as we say goodbye. In the early hours of Saturday, February 8, 2025, James succumbed to the cancer he had been fighting for almost a year.  

Born March 23, 1966, James was the first of four children and the only son. He was protective of his sisters, always ready to brawl on their behalf. In fact, all his life, he never backed down from any sort of fight. 

 James was a wanderer at heart. He traveled the country most of his life. As a young man, he ran off with the carnival. And no, that isn’t a joke. Later in life, he chose to become a truck driver to continue seeing the world day in and day out. 

 Throughout his life, most people knew James for his musical talent. At a young age, he taught himself how to play the guitar. Never learning how to read music, he played entirely by ear. Many nights were spent jamming with friends and singing old country songs. One of his favorite things to do was sing and play for his family. He would break out the old guitar after a long day of fishing, another hobby he enjoyed greatly. 

 James leaves behind a large family who already miss him dearly. His mother and father, Daisy and Charles Hansen. His beloved wife, Justine. His children, Joshua, Jeremy, Julie, and Jena. His sons-in-law, Tristin and Jason. His grandchildren, Wes, Ethan, Hunter, Tate, Aidan, Paul, Jolene, and Josie. His sisters, Donna, Saundra, Stephanie, and Bridget. His many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins. 

 The mark James made on the world lives on in the many people who grieve him now, but never doubt that the world was a better place for having had the privilege of his presence. 

 The family will be having a small, private celebration for James in their own time. Those who would like to do something can make a donation in James’ name with the Lymphoma Research Foundation.