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<p>Lieutenant General <em>James Judson Lovelace Jr.</em> was the epitome of a soldier. He personified the Warrior Ethos: mission first, never accept defeat, never quit, and never leave a fallen comrade. As Jim matured over 43 years in the Army, he developed a concrete leadership philosophy: “Leadership is the ability to understand emotions and how to use emotions. ‘Soldiering is an affair of the heart (General Creighton Abrams).’” Jim’s favorite melody? “Army Strong,” of course!</p>
<p>Jim was raised in Richmond, VA by his late father, Lieutenant Colonel James Judson Lovelace Sr., a U.S. Army artilleryman and World War II veteran; his mother, the late Maude F. (Baker) Lovelace; and his stepmother, Lana Brayley Lovelace. Attending George Wythe High School, Jim was an excellent scholar and gifted athlete, playing varsity baseball, basketball, and football. Receiving appointments to both West Point and Annapolis, Jim chose the Army because of his family’s Army background.</p>
<p>Jim’s career began July 1, 1966 when he entered the U.S. Military Academy as a member of the Class of 1970. Reflecting on his cadet life, Jim said: “West Point’s a great place to be from, not a great place to be at. Now, I see things so much differently. It was also a great place to be at because of the people I met and our shared hardships. My first two roommates were Peter B. Lilly and Dave Kent. We existed on a toothpaste diet and drank our lemonade with Tabasco sauce in it; we were so hungry!” </p>
<p>During yearling year, Jim reminisced: “I roomed with the Three Musketeers (Ben Bentley, John Hostettler, and myself). We were all on the cusp of thinking that we needed to be someplace else, not at the Academy. But it was the camaraderie of those two guys and my other H-4 companymates that forged unbreakable bonds that carried into the military. My West Point experience was a defining moment, teaching me the value of relationships and teamwork.” </p>
<p>In September 1968, Jim experienced a heralded moment in his life. He and a Rugby teammate met two young ladies at a cadet dance in Arvin Gym. Jim chose the blond (his future wife, Gail), and his teammate chose the brunette. Jim recalled: “I’m so lucky I won that lottery. Gail came in first place and has been first place in my heart since then. Gail positively influenced how I approached the Army and life.” </p>
<p>Jim’s West Point athletic experiences enhanced his development as a future Army leader. Playing halfback for Army’s 150-pound Football Team and “fly-half” for Army’s Rugby Team, Jim’s slashing, elusive running style was inspiring. A rugged competitor, he never accepted defeat and never quit. His teammates elected him captain of the 150-pound Football Team and co-captain of the Army “Ruggers” his firstie year.</p>
<p>After selecting Artillery as his branch, a succession of varied, challenging command and staff assignments refined Jim’s leadership abilities and tactical competence. Jim valued each assignment as an opportunity to learn from non-commissioned officers, build relationships, and lead soldiers. His soldiers loved and respected him.</p>
<p>In 2003, Jim was promoted to lieutenant general and interviewed by the Secretary of Defense to be the director of the Army Staff. The secretary, a “Navy Man” infamous for his brusque manner, asked Jim, “What have you done lately?” Jim responded, “I went to Fort Benning and made a parachute jump with my son Jeff in Airborne School.” The secretary replied, “I’m a cherry jumper, only one jump; what does that make me?” Jim thought, “Holy cow! I’ve said something wrong!” Jim said, “Well, sir, I tell you what: That makes you one jump better than 99 percent of the people in this country!” Jim got the job. </p>
<p>As assistant deputy chief of staff for operations, director of the Army Staff, and then deputy chief of staff for operations, Jim became one of the most respected officers in the Pentagon, expertly managing the Army training budget. One day, he called Gail and said, “Honey, I don’t deal with the checkbook anymore because I manage a three-billion-dollar budget!” Gail laughed and said, “Keep the checkbook.” </p>
<p>One of Jim’s most significant contributions was transforming the Army’s force structure from a “Heavy Division Fight” to an adaptive force capable of fighting and winning across the full spectrum of conflict. Jim recalled: “I got to be in charge of leading the greatest transformation of the Army since World War II. That was very fulfilling.” Due to his dedicated service, Jim was selected to command the historic Third Army, his final assignment.</p>
<p>Through 21 moves around the world, Jim and Gail built a life filled with joy and memorable experiences for their family. Jim was a proud and loving father to three sons: Michael, Robert, and Jeff; and a grandfather, affectionately known as “Pops,” to seven grandchildren, each bringing immense joy to his life.</p>
<p>In September 2022, Jim was diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor. True to his nature, Jim would not accept defeat or quit as he and Gail fought this disease with grit and determination. Sadly, Jim lost this battle and passed away on July 26, 2024 with Gail and his family by his side. Friends and family will always remember his great smile, engaging personality, thoughtfulness, and courage. Jim was a man of character. That is his legacy. Rest in peace, “Lace.”</p>
<p><em>— COL Wayne Barth, U.S. Army, Retired</em></p>
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