Gail James Lovewell

Gail James “Jim” Lovewell, 92, formerly of Bettendorf died Friday, February 5, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf.  The Mass will be livestreamed by visiting St. John Vianney’s website at https://www.sjvbett.org/ Burial will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesis Hospice.

Gail James Lovewell was born November 25, 1928 in Muscatine, Iowa, a son of Clarence and Florence (Luethye) Lovewell. He was united in marriage to Nelda Ann Knickrehm on July 16, 1949 in Davenport.  She preceded him in death on January 10, 2004 after almost 55 years of marriage and memories together.

Jim owned and operated gas stations, first on Devils Glen and State Street in Bettendorf and then Jim’s 67 in Pleasant Valley, Iowa which was more of a modern-day convenience store.  He instilled in his children from a very early age the value of having a tremendous work ethic.  After selling the business in 1976 he helped his son, William, start Lovewell Fencing, Inc.

Jim was very competitive in nature and enjoyed playing cards belonging to many bridge groups through the years.  Jim also enjoying fishing, golfing, and the outdoors.

Jim is survived by his children: James (Louise) Lovewell, San Leandro, California, Kathy (Dave) Milich, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Thomas (Joan) Lovewell, Delmar, Iowa, David (Eni) Lovewell, Mt .Dora, Florida, William (Francie) Lovewell, Maquoketa, Annette (John) Lanman, Chesterfield, Missouri, Julie (Daniel) Naab, Riverdale, Iowa, and Robert (Karen) Lovewell, Erie Colorado; 23 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, a brother, Jerry (Betty) Lovewell, Chantilly, Virginia, a sister-in-law, Patsy Lovewell, Andalusia, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Nelda, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Heather Milich, his parents and his siblings: Bud, Larry, and John Lovewell, and Linda Doll. May they rest in peace.