James "Jim" Lovett

James “Jim” Lovett, of Harrisburg, South Dakota, passed away Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, at the age of 97 surrounded by the love and comfort of family. 

Jim was born on August 8th, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Howard and Harriet (Phillips) Lovett, where he was raised with his two younger siblings, Jack and Joanie. 

Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1948, obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and served as a mechanic during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1952, Jim returned briefly to Milwaukee before making his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

On April 14th, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Marilyn “Mert” Heckenlaible, in Sioux Falls. Together they raised five children. As their family grew, they moved from Sioux Falls to rural Harrisburg in 1971.

Jim had a lifelong passion for polka music. As a self-taught concertina player, he found great joy in performing for family and friends. He eventually formed his own band, Jim Lovett and the Polka Stars, which released two hit albums in the 1970s: Polka Joy! and Let The Sun Shine In. Jim was delighted that his music will stand the test of time and can forever be enjoyed on various streaming platforms. Over several decades, Jim and his band entertained polka fans throughout the Midwest. In recognition of his musical contributions, Jim was inducted into the South Dakota Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

After retiring from a career in construction, Jim and Mert enjoyed spending their winters in Texas until her passing in 2012. Jim was a proud member of the VFW and the The American Legion. As a lifelong, avid Green Bay Packers fan, he deeply loved cheering on his team. He also enjoyed fishing and music; but most of all, Jim cherished the time spent with his family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn; his parents, Howard and Harriet; his brothers-in-law, Walter, Harold, and Robert; and his sister-in law, Virginia. He is survived by his siblings, Jack Lovett of Sioux Falls, SD and Joanie Olson of Sioux Falls, SD; his sisters-in-law: Carrie Brandsma of Sioux Falls, SD; Lil Weiland of Rochester, MN; Annetta Heckenlaible of Michell, SD; his five children: Jeannine (Douglas) DeJong of Chipley, FL; Kristie (Rick Carlson) Lovett of Broomfield, CO; Thomas (Kathleen) Lovett of Destin, FL; Susan (Thomas) McDowell of Sioux Falls; and Jon Lovett of Destin, FL. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Nick DeJong, Sarah (Josh) Nystrom, Zachary (Natalie) Martin, Emily Martin, Brianna (Kenny) Fischer, Rilee (Maximus) Lear, Kamryn Lovett, Jessica Sherman, Charlee Sherman, Olivia (Jacob) Otta, Wil McDowell, Johnny McDowell, and Alexander Lovett; and seven great-grandchildren: Garrett, Jacob, Alaina, Alina, Caleb, Clayton, and Evelyn, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at the Church of St. Mary, 2109 South 5th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the service at 1:00 PM and lunch. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at the Hills of Rest Cemetery, 300 North Chapel Hills Road, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.