James Shepperd Lovick

James Shepperd Lovick, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully May 25, 2026 at his nursing care facility, Miller’s Merry Manor, in New Carlisle, Indiana, surrounded by loving family and caregivers after a lengthy illness.

Born in Longview, Texas on October 19, 1940, the son of George Alton Lovick, Sr. and Martha Lucille Lovick, nee Shepperd, Jim grew up along Guthrie Creek and on the farm in East Mountain. He served as Student Council President at Longview High School, graduating in 1959. He entered the Texas A&M University Corps studying Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1964 with a DVM. He was the best horse, cattle, cat and dog doctor for 55 years owning private practices: Henderson Veterinary Clinic in Henderson, Tx and Hide-A-Way Small Animal Clinic in Lindale, Tx. Also, Jim served two years as a missionary veterinarian in Northern Kenya in the 1980’s where he ministered to the nomadic tribes, camels and goats. And in 2004 Jim and Charlene moved to Valparaiso, IN where he worked at Lake Station Pet Clinic in Lake Station, Indiana and Ireland Animal Clinic in South Bend, Indiana. Jim was a faithful Christ-follower which influenced every aspect of his life.

Jim enjoyed his family, singing old songs and hymns, crossword puzzles and cheerfully interacting with residents and caregivers at Miller’s Merry Manor.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and brother, George A. “Buddy” (Jo Ann) Lovick, Jr., and sister, Mary Lynn (RC) Welch. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Charlene E. Lovick, nee Cordts, his daughter, Kathryn A. (Dan) DiFrancesco, his son, James S. “Shep” (Marcia Kern) Lovick, Jr., his grandchildren: Elsa Kern-Lovick, Baylor Kern-Lovick, Eva (Luke) Stephens, John (Hannah) DiFrancesco and Mia DiFrancesco and his great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Theodore, Lily, Liam and Oliver.

Interment will take place at a future time at Memory Park Cemetery in Longview, Texas.

Cards to the family may be received at Miller’s Merry Manor in New Carlisle, IN. Gifts in honor of Jim may be made to Luminary Hospice of South Bend, the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana or the Gideons International.

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