James Knute Loverude Of Westhampton Beach Dies February 9

James K. Loverude died on February 9 in Westhampton Beach. He was 87.

He was born in Great Falls, Montana on August 14, 1933 to the Reverend Otto R. Loverude and Edna (Taylor) Loverude. He will be laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery, Florida.

He was the only son and the youngest of three children. The family moved frequently, from Great Falls, Montana to Willows, California then to Lowell, Massachusetts where Mr. Loverude graduated from Lowell High School. He received his undergraduate and master’s degree from Harvard University. He performed in the Harvard Glee Club and then continued his singing while serving three years in the U.S. Army.

He had a long career as a vice president for the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City. He retired to his beloved property in Westhampton Beach.

Mr. Loverude loved working in his yard, according to his family, who noted that he moved plants and trees around like they were furniture, adding new plants and getting rid of old ones. He loved to travel to see museums, the arts, and experience the different cultures. He enjoyed yearly trips to London, Paris, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego and Philadelphia. Southern India was his favorite for the art and the people. He was passionate about trains and built a huge train garden that included a round house and scenery.

His love of gardens, nature, and arts led him to be a member of the National Audubon Society, NY Botanical Gardens, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian, and the World Wildlife Federation.

He was predeceased by his sister Ruth Meade.

He is survived by his sister Barbara Wood and nieces and nephews Roger (Susan) Meade of Asheville, North Carolina, Steve (Debra) Wood of Glastonbury, Connecticut, Marilyn (Sam) Warlick of Tampa, Florida, Kathleen “Woody” (James) Swinson of Ellicott City, Maryland, Deborah Wood (Sue) of Middletown, New York, William (Deborah) Wood of Ellicott City, Maryland; a plethora of great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; special friends Ora Salmaggi, Bob Beck and Michael Rutkowski. He also leaves behind his dogs Bubba and Patsy (preceded him in death); and his cats Geoffrey and Bridgit.

Due to COVID, a private service will be held at a later date.

One of Jim’s great joys in life, according to his family, was visiting the NY Botanical gardens, and in lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the New York Botanical Gardens www.nybg.org/join-support, or checks to: Director of Planned Giving, the New York Botanical Gardens, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY.

Arrangements were entrusted to Werner-Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. Condolences can be made at wernerrothwell.com.