James “Jim” Ernest Love
Jim Love, 70, passed away on June 24, 2017 of ALS at Care Meridian, Littleton, Colorado. He was born on November 3, 1946 to Ernest K. and Ethel M. Love in Logansport, Indiana. He served four years in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970 and was last stationed at NORAD in Colorado Springs where he met his wife, Verna. They were married in May 1968 at the Air Force Academy Chapel and just celebrated their 49th anniversary.
He is survived by his wife, Verna; 3 children: Cheryl Love, Patty (David) Bilberry, and David Love, all of Colorado Springs; sister, Lou Ann Stoner of Goshen, Indiana; 4 beautiful grandchildren: Ryan, Emily, Sean, and Caitlin Bilberry, who were a bright light to Papa throughout his illness; 5 nieces: Erin, Peggy, Rita, Theresa, and Trudy; 2 nephews, Al and Ron; sister-in-law, Sandra; and brother-in-law, Bob Olson.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Edna Mae Busard, and Sara Jane Nice; niece, Janae Price; brother-in-law, Terry Stoner; and in-laws, Frank and Jean Saldi.
Jim worked at Weicker Moving and Storage and Bailey’s Moving and Storage for a combined 37 years, lastly working at Colorado State Safe and Lock prior to retiring. Jim was a proud member of Rotary International for many years and past-president of Rampart Range Rotary.
Jim and Verna travelled many places and RV’d with best friends and in-laws, Don and Kathy Bilberry. He loved scuba diving and safe moving with best friend, Buck. He and neighbor, Connie, had many happy hours “playing” together with tools in their garages. He never knew a stranger and loved to talk. The loss of his voice due to the illness was most devastating.
Verna is most appreciative of the loving emotional support of their children: Cheryl, Patty, and David. Jim knew and felt their love. Without them, this difficult journey would have been unbearable. Thank you, Lou Ann, for your visits, as they meant so much to Jim and our family.
The Love Family has so many people to thank for caring for Jim during his 2-year struggle with ALS. The VA and PVA were very supportive and provided anything he needed. Rosemary Jones and Virginia Chacon of the VA went above and beyond in providing excellent in-home care and support; Joni St. Pierre of the PVA helped navigate procedures for getting VA assistance. While still home, thank you to the individuals who provided loving daily care – Jeanie, Mary Ann, Fay, Miriam, and Janice. A heartfelt thank you to all the nursing staff at Care Meridian and to Denver Hospice for their loving care and comfort during his last few weeks.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017, 10:00 am at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO with urn placement to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org) or the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.