James Loveless Obituary: Celebrating the Life of an Accomplished Artist and Beloved Community Member
James ‘Jim’ Loveless, aged 87, of East Pleasant St., Hamilton, NY, peacefully passed away on Friday, February 3, 2023, at Crouse Community Center in Morrisville. Born on April 24, 1935, in Saginaw, MI, Jim was the son of the late James C. and Edris (King) Loveless. He leaves behind a rich legacy as an esteemed professor and renowned artist.
Jim’s educational journey took him through Grove City High School and Mercersburg Academy, both located in Pennsylvania. He continued his academic pursuits at DePauw University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1957, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Indiana University in 1960.
Beginning his career as an assistant professor at Hope College in Holland, MI from 1960 to 1964, Jim later served as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky from 1964 to 1966. In 1966, he joined Colgate University as a professor of Art & Art History, where he made significant contributions until his retirement. Jim held leadership roles as the chair of the Art & Art History Department and as the director of the division of university studies. His dedication to education and artistic excellence impacted the lives of countless students.
On October 5, 1974, Jim married the love of his life, RuthAnn (Speer) Loveless, at the Colgate Chapel House. Together, they shared 48 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, support, and shared passions.
Throughout his career, Jim’s artwork gained recognition through numerous solo and group exhibitions, displayed in prestigious galleries and museums such as the Museum of American Art in Washington, DC, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, the Grand Rapids Museum of Art, the Everson Museum in Syracuse, and the Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute in Utica, among others. His artistic contributions extended beyond the realm of academia, with his work featured in the collections of esteemed institutions including Chase Manhattan Bank, Ithaca College, Martha Jackson Print Gallery, Munson-Williams-Proctor, Gettysburg College, Hamilton College, and Colgate University. Jim’s creativity and talent were cherished in private collections nationwide. As a generous community member, he donated his artwork to local establishments like the Hamilton Public Library and the First Baptist Church in Hamilton, where he actively worshipped.
Jim’s dedication to his craft earned him fellowships from Yaddo in 1980 and the Millay Colony in 1987, enabling him to further develop his artistic vision.
James is survived by his loving wife, RuthAnn (Speer) Loveless, his children, Libby (Tom) Hamilton, Karen Linn, Ellen (Jon) Frutchey, all residing in Indianapolis, IN, Doug (Alice Virden) Speer and David (Darcie Leach) Loveless, both of Hamilton. He is also survived by his sister, Pamela (Mark) Schumacher, of Greensboro, NC, as well as grandchildren Ashley, Amy, Aaron, Allie, Jake, Garrett, Jon Douglas ‘JD,’ Brooke, Lindsey, and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at the Hamilton First Baptist Church on May 7, with internment taking place privately at the convenience of the family in the Colgate Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the James King Loveless Memorial Fund at Colgate, honoring Jim’s legacy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, located at 25 Broad St., Hamilton, NY 13346.To send a condolence online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com https://www.lastingmemories.com/james-loveless
You can read some condolences for James below;
My deepest condolence goes out to each and every one of you he had a amazing family and he was an amazing man it was my honor of meeting him and God bless you all and much love.
BILLIEJO MUSCARELLA
May 7, 2023
As a Loveless family neighbor in Greencastle, IN ten years younger than Jim, I feel I knew him through the generosity and traits of his parents whom I admired – his mother’s, my junior high art teacher, artistic sensitivity and father’s welcoming, deep chuckles.
KEN GASS
Apr 20, 2023
RuthAnn, I can’t imagine how a life could be more worthwhile than the one described here. I never really knew Jim, but I certainly knew of him. I am sorry for your loss, but filled with a warmth by the joy you obviously shared.
MARK FALCONE
Feb 23, 2023
So sorry to learn of the passing of Jim. He will be remembered as a kind, loving, fun person who made the lives of others more pleasant. Rest in peace.
SUE AND JIM HIMOFF
Feb 20, 2023
James Loveless Obituary (1935-2023)
