James Loving

LOVING, James M., 86, of Chesterfield, Va., died October 29, 2010. He enjoyed sailing, camping at the beach, tending his vegetable garden, fixing up old cars, reading (especially books about the Civil War), spoiling his dogs, proving that anything could be fixed with epoxy and duct tape and helping out at Beulah United Methodist Church, where he had been a member since 1963. Born in Alderson, W.Va., on April 12, 1924, he was the son of Hyter Anderson Loving and Lena Mann Loving. He grew up in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Va., from 1941 to 1944, leaving to serve in the Naval Reserve/Merchant Marines, helping escort convoys across the North Atlantic during World War II. He returned to VPI in 1946 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1947. He played trombone in the Highty Tighties at VPI and had played a trumpet in a dance band in high school. He worked his entire career for Westvaco, beginning at the mill in Covington, Va. In 1956, he was chosen to manage the company's plant in Valinhos, Brazil. He and his family moved to Campinas, Brazil, where he learned to speak Portuguese and traveled extensively in South America. He belonged to the local Lions Club. Returning to Virginia in 1962, he worked at the Richmond plant, serving for many years as manager. He ended his career as manager of building and environmental services for facilities on the East Coast. After retirement, he spent many years doing volunteer maintenance work at Beulah Church, enjoying his many hobbies, traveling across North America with his wife in their camper and spending time with their children. He was a charter member of the Greater Richmond Sailing Association. He and his wife, Harriett McAllister Loving, had just celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Survivors also include a daughter, Susan J. Loving of Strasburg; sons, William D. Loving of Richmond and James F. (Carey) Loving of Warrenton; and one grandson, Jamie Loving. An only child, he enjoyed close lifelong friendships with many of his first cousins. A service will be held on Monday at 4 p.m. at Beulah United Methodist Church, 6930 Hopkins Road, Richmond, followed by a reception at the church. Entombment at Dale Memorial Park in Chesterfield will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Beulah U.M.C.



This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.