James Leroy Loviska, age 79 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, August 28, 2017 at Brookdale Memory Care Unit in Portage. He was born December 9, 1937 in Wheatland Township, Mecosta County, the son of Frank and Inez (Harrigan) Loviska. James graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1957. He honorably served his country for three years in the United States Army and 28 years in the United States Army National Guard until he retired. James was an operator for Mich-Wisc/ANR Pipeline for many years. He also was employed by Wolverine World Wide for 16 years and Haworth for five years. James married Sally Classon on December 29, 1962, and together they raised their family in Big Rapids until her death on May 5, 1993. An avid bicyclist, James would be seen riding the White Pine Trail daily during the spring, summer, and fall. He also completed several Pedal Across Lower Michigan (PALM) rides and annual Mackinac Bridge crossings. He was a much loved member of the Big Rapids Bicycle Club. James is survived by his four children, Kevin (Margaret) Loviska of Kentwood, Kristopher (Charlotte) Loviska of Stockholm, Sweden, Patricia (David) Wagoner of Kalamazoo, and Linda (Eugene) VanRijs of Kent City; six grandchildren, Erika and Nicklas Wagoner, Allison (Matt) Sawyer and Grace VanRijs, Sally Loviska and Cameron Loviska; one great grandchild Ozil Wagoner; two brothers, Donald (Charleen) Loviska of Interlochen and David Loviska of Big Rapids; three sisters, Mary Anderson of Hersey, Margaret Fuller of Big Rapids, and Shirley (Carrol) Fort of Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Francis "Sunny" and Richard Loviska, and his sister, Virginia Palmer. A memorial gathering will take place from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. A time of sharing will begin at 2:30 p.m. with his son Kristopher leading. Military honors will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home under the auspices of the Big Rapids American Legion Honor Guard Post 98 and the United States Army. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in James name be made to The Friends of the White Pine Trail. Donations can be sent to: Friends of the White Pine Trail, PO Box 159, Belmont, MI, 49306. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Time of Sharing Saturday, September 2, 2017 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Military Honors Saturday, September 2, 2017 03:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 The family will greet friends Saturday, September 2, 2017 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307