James Evard Lovely, Jr., 63, died on May 4, 2024 in Colorado Springs, from brain stem malignancy and lung masses caused by metastatic melanoma.

Jim was born in Coalinga, California to James Evard Lovely, Sr. and Donna Rae (Tuetken) on January 14, 1961. He attended primary schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Venango, Nebraska. He married Inis Miller on December 3, 2004 in Colorado Springs.

Jim graduated from Pikes Peak Community College, Associate of Arts (1992); University of Colorado-Boulder, Bachelor of Science in Journalism (1994); and Webster University, Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisitions Management as well as a certificate in Government Contracting, Outstanding Graduate (first in his class), (2008).

After a distinguished career in print journalism — winning numerous awards from the Colorado Press Association as editor-in-chief for the Ute Pass Courier and Gold Rush newspapers, Jim was employed by Air Force Services where he produced Good Things magazine, among other publications, and shot photography for the United States Air Force Academy. In 2009, he was selected for the Air Force Copper Cap program and began a career in government contracting eventually achieving the position of NH-04 Supervisory Contracting Officer with the U.S. Space Force.

In his 20 years as a civilian DoD employee, Jim earned silver and gold awards at the U.S. Air Force Marketing Conference, was employee or on team of the quarter multiple times, received a Challenging the Ecosystem Award, and attained his unlimited warrant as a contracting professional.

Jim loved his cats and animals in general. He was a loyal fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Buffaloes. Fantasy football, photography, bowling, mini-golf, pinochle, poker, cooking, and liberal politics were among Jim’s many interests. He was an Alumni Chapter President and on the Alumni Board of Directors for Webster University, president of his HOA for many years, and participated in volunteer activities such as coaching little league baseball and family photography for deploying military members. He’s remembered for his engaging smile and gregarious sense of humor.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Sr.; sister, Becky; mother, Donna; brother, Hurley; and stepson, Marcus Clubs.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Inis Lovely; sister and brother-in-law, Renee Lovely-Calahan and Harlen Calahan; nieces Kristen and Sarah Pethick, Brittany and Ashley Greenwood; nephews William and Mitchell Pethick, Cody Greenwood, and Scott Greenwood-Lovely; grand-nieces Savannah, Kianna, Rogue, and Natalie; grand-nephews Treshaun, Mitchell, Killian, Declan, and Ray; plus great-nephews Andrew, Khamari, and Savon.

Jim’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the extraordinary nurses on the eleventh floor of Penrose Hospital, at Liberty Heights Skilled Nursing, and with Abode Hospice in Colorado Springs. Jim and all of us noticed and appreciated your kind and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to an animal or humanitarian charity of your choice. 

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