James E Loving

James E. Loving, born November 30, 1931, in Midway, Alabama. He left us on March 2, 2025, at the age of 93, residing in Robbins, Illinois. He was a devoted husband to Jessie for 69 years and a loving father to Ronnie, Patricia, Vicki, Derrick, Jimmy, and Karl. Brother Loving attended Merritt School from kindergarten to 12th grade. He loved going to school, he would walk four miles to and from school every day. If ever he missed school, it was because his father told him he had to help work the field. He would wake up early to get his chores out the way so he could make it to school. After he graduated from Merritt School, he was given the option of going into the Military or College, he chose to attend Daniel Payne College. While attending Daniel Payne College, he had the opportunity to play Professional Basketball, but back in those days if you had any type of illness (which he did), you were not allowed to play in the NBA or NFL. While attending Daniel Payne College he met the love of his life, Jessie Ree Burrell, who gave him the nickname “Cat with the Bow Tie”, because he was a handsome cat that knew how to dress to impress. After graduating from college, brother Loving decided to move to Chicago (He helped bring his nephews up from Alabama after he had moved here). He started working at A&P Bakery where he learned how to make all those delicious desserts, he worked many years there until A&P permanently closed their doors. After which he became employed at Richards High School in the Maintenance Dept. There he worked until he retired. While at Richards High School he would mentor the students and share his love for God with them. Everyone there, from the staff to the students, loved them some Mr. Loving. Brother Loving had a Heart of Gold, a Caring Spirit and an abundance of patience. Mr. and Mrs. Loving would prepare food to take to the Robbins Shelter weekly. They would do prison ministry visits. Brother Loving had a love for the Church. He was the Sunday School superintendent, on the Steward Board, member of the choir and would plant flowers around the Church in the summertime (his love for growing things and flowers was just beautiful! He sure had a green thumb.) For church functions, he would also make his amazing cheesecake, desserts, and lemonade (if you ever had his lemonade (Our family called it crack lemonade) it was so addictive, you couldn’t just drink one cup. LOL). James lived a life rich with stories, laughter, love and faith. He was a man of God, with a vibrant soul. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who brought a unique mix of warmth, kindness and readiness to help anyone. He would always bring a smile to anyone’s face, just with his smile. Known by many as an incredible person, always singing, no matter what was going on, he would find a song for it. James viewed his beloved wife, his children and his love for God as his true legacy. His family meant the world to him. He knew that love extended beyond blood as he opened his heart to everyone. His friends were family also. James was an unstoppable force, meeting life’s challenges with strength, grace and faith. His health never defined nor stopped him. He stood as an inspiration, a true testament to sheer will and indomitable spirit. Through it all, he stayed faithful and never stopped believing in the word and plan of God. He pushed forward without asking others to bear his burdens. A true warrior and hero through and through until his last breath. Now as we come together to say goodbye to James, let’s remember this powerful scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” James is survived by his wife, Jessie; children, Ronnie (Angie), Patricia Denson, Vicki Spruiell, Derrick (Cara), and Karl (Alicia); grandchildren, Trinette, Tyesha (Jerrold), TaQueenia (Ammiel), J’aKiaya, Javonte, Jourdan, Jataviyona, Marshaun, Shaunnika, Airec (Tammy), Christian, Aundrea (Courtney), Corey, Mercedes, Derrick Jr., Jeremy, Felicia, Nina, Andre (Doniel), and Shani; 28 great-grandchildren; four great-great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and a plethora of friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ellen Parker-Loving; father, Joe Loving; sister, Marie W. Person; and son, James Loving. We celebrate his life and all he has accomplished. Though our hearts are heavy, remember Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” James has finished life’s race at 93 years young but his impact will continue to resonate endlessly. We will see you later, with gratitude, for the good time, the strength, and the love you gave and brought into our lives. Rest easy-pops, granddaddy, Uncle. You’ve left more than a legacy. You’ve left hearts and souls filled with love. As we share memories of Jame

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E Loving, please visit our floral store.