James Albert Lovette Sr., was born January 30, 1948, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late Annie Lee Andrews and Lee Otis Lovette. He departed this life on November 20, 2018, at Willow Ridge Nursing Home in Arcadia, Louisiana. James accepted Christ at an early age while attending Mt. Zion Lisbon Baptist Church. He later united with First Baptist Church-Cordell where he remained until the church divided and he sought membership with Greater Paradise Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. During his latter years, he chose to worship with St. James Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Calloway until his health began to fail and he was called home to be with the Lord.
He is a 1966 graduate of New Hope High School in Mt. Holly, Arkansas, where he was well known for his athleticism on the basketball court and team leadership skills. James proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On December 21, 1967, he took the hand of Sarah Nell Walker in holy matrimony. To this union, the Lord saw fit to bless them with two children, James Bernard Lovette, Jr., and Stephanie Rena Lovette. James was employed by ConAgra/Pilgrim’s Pride for 32 years and Burbank Furniture for 29 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jimmy Dale McCathern. He leaves to cherish his loving memories, his wife of 52 years, Sarah Nell Lovette of El Dorado, Arkansas, son, James (Sheryln) Lovette, Jr., and daughter, Stephanie (Billy) Green both of El Dorado, Arkansas; two sisters, Shirley Lovette of California and Annie (LJ) Gray, of El Dorado; four grandchildren, one great grandchild, god daughter Barbara (Jerry) Brown and god son, Joseph Cole, both of El Dorado, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Funeral service will be on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Baptist Church with Bishop George Calloway officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Sinai Freewill Cemetery.