Donald James (Jim) Loveman

May 31, 1945 - July 12, 2025

Donald James (Jim) Loveman, 80, of Babson Park, Florida passed away on July 12th.

Jim was born on May 31, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Edwin and Miriam Loveman. He went to high school at Medina High School in Medina, Ohio and graduated in 1963. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Education at Ohio State University, where he played the euphonium in the marching band. In Ohio, he worked with band programs in several school systems. While working in the Medina City Schools he met Marcia, his wife of 57 years.

In December 1983, the Loveman Family moved to Florida, where Jim sold cars and health insurance. He attended the Methodist Church in Frostproof and directed the choir for many years. He enjoyed hiking the parks of Polk County with Trek Ten Trails. He was a member of the Ridge Audubon Society and the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce.

Jim was an avid sports fan. He faithfully attended the Lake Wales Highlander Football games long after his children had graduated. His other favorite teams were Ohio State, University of Miami, the Rays, and the Bucs.

Jim is survived by his spouse, Marcia, sons David Binns-Loveman (Karen) of Roanoke, Virginia, and Peter Loveman (Traci) of Huntsville, Alabama, and his daughters Rachel Back (Dan) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Sarah Marshall (Jimmy) of Apopka, Florida, grandchildren, Andrew, Tim, Kat, and Daniel Binns-Loveman, Aaron and Maddie Back, and Elizabeth and Clayton Marshall, and brothers, Mike Loveman and Larry Loveman. He was predeceased by his brother, Eric Loveman.

Memorial gifts may be given to the First Methodist Church of Frostproof, or TBDBITL Scholarship Fund for Marching Band Students at The Ohio State University, or the Lake Wales Public Library.

Jim was a member of the marching band in 1963. He played Baritone.