James F. Lovering

James F. Lovering, 89, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Manchester on May 27, 1937, to Ernest Raymond and Margaret (Dinwoodie) Lovering.

James graduated from Central High School and grew up working on his family’s farm, Green Acres Farm on Mammoth Road in Manchester.

James proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years, including during the Vietnam War. He was stationed on aircraft carriers, earned many commendations and medals, and carried his service with pride. When asked where he served, he would often grin and say, “the ocean.” In truth, his years in the Navy took him to many places, and he enjoyed sharing stories of travels that included the Arctic Circle, Japan, and many destinations in between.

After his military service, James began a long career with Jac Pac (Granite State Packing) in Manchester, where he worked for 32 years before retiring in 2002.

James had a deep love for nature and was rarely without his camera, always ready to capture the beauty of flowers, animals, and the scenery around him. In his free time, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and, most of all, spending time with his family. He was also talented with his hands and created many beautiful handmade wooden pieces, including coffee tables, picture frames, and cradles for his nieces and nephews as they welcomed new babies. James also loved to draw and paint, and later in life, when that became more difficult, he found joy in coloring nature scenes with his colored pencils.

He is survived by his sister, Jacqueline Morton of South Carolina, and was predeceased by his brother, Donald Lovering of Weare, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his children, Linda Maloney and her husband, Patrick; Julie Clough; David Lovering; and Sherry Maynard. In addition, he leaves behind many cherished grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

James shared 45 happy years of marriage with his beloved wife, Susan (Bailey), until her passing in 2014.

In his later years, he made his home with his daughter, Linda Maloney, and her husband, Patrick, along with his grandchildren, James Messier and Brianna Messier-Eyman, and Brianna’s husband, Richard.

Their loving care allowed him to remain safe and comfortable at home while living with dementia, surrounded by family.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held from 5-7pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester, NH. A prayer service with military honors will begin promptly at 7pm in the Lambert Funeral Home chapel. Burial will take place at 10am on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Pine Grove Cemetery, 765 Brown Ave., Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James’s name can be made to the Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org).