James Merritt Love,
age 66 of Chesterton, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday,
November 5, 2014.
He was born on
September 1, 1948 in Gary, IN, to Merritt Love Jr., who preceded him in
death, and Dolores Barnes-Love, who survives in Lowell, IN.
On October 1, 1983
at St. Edward Catholic Church in Lowell, IN, he married his best friend,
Donna Kalvaitis-Love who survives in Chesterton. Also surviving is his
loving daughter, Mary Kathryn Margaret Love of Chesterton and her boyfriend
whom he loved like a son, Kynan Wallace of Chesterton. Also surviving is his
sister, Charlene (Jay) Mario of Chesterton, his special aunt, Helen Loncaric
of Valparaiso and many funeral home coworkers and close friends whom he
loved like family. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Jim was co-owner of
the White-Love Funeral Home with his wife, Donna since 1988. He received his
40 year pin commemorating 40 years of service as a funeral director in the
state of Indiana. Jim was also a member of the Calumet Masonic Lodge #279,
Indiana Funeral Directors Association and board member of the Chesterton
Cemetery Association. He was a graduate of Vincennes University, attended
Indiana University and was a 1970 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary
Science, where he received the National Board Certificate.
Jim will always be
remembered for his genuine, caring heart and sense of humor.
A celebration of
life and a service of thanksgiving for God’s unending love for Jim will be
held on Monday, November 10, 2014, at 11 a.m. at his home, White-Love
Funeral Home, 525 South 2nd St., Chesterton, with some of Jim’s clergy
friends officiating. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery.
The family will
receive friends on Sunday, November 9, 2014 from 2 until 8 p.m. at the
funeral home. There will be a Masonic Service at 6 p.m. and a Prayer Service
at 6:30 p.m. with Father Meade officiating on Sunday evening at the funeral
home.
Memorials may be
given to local Chesterton churches. We are so grateful for the love and
support they have given to us through the years.