James Love

Madison- James R. Love (Jim), Professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, died peacefully at Agrace Hospice Care on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. He was 93 years old.

Jim was born on September 20, 1920 on a farm outside of Rugby, North Dakota to Lee and Gladys Love. He grew up in Rugby with two brothers and a sister. After graduating from high school he attended Fargo State University where he received a bachelor's degree and did graduate work at the University of Chicago, but decided that teaching was his real passion. He returned to North Dakota and attended Minot State University where he met and married his wife Nancy and received his teaching accreditation.

Jim and Nancy taught for a year on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana to facilitate a move to Madison so that Jim could attend the University of Wisconsin. He received his master's degree and his Ph.D. in Soil Science. He was offered a position in the Soils Department and was delighted to make Madison his home.

Jim and Nancy were married 63 years and raised two sons, John (Mary) of St. Paul and Peter of Madison.

Jim was on the faculty of the Department of Soils Science from 1951 until his retirement in 1986. He loved teaching and mentoring students. He founded the Turf and Grounds Management Department of Soils Science in 1960 and over 100 students completed the program under his direction.

He was a man with many interests. He enjoyed traveling and he and his wife visited many distant countries and much of the United States. He was an avid card player, gardener, reader, sports enthusiast and a good friend.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his two sons, John, who provided him with his only grandchild, Amanda and Peter, who was his trusted companion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, William and Robert; his sister Betty Genre and granddaughter, Grace.

At his request there will be no funeral or memorial service, though we who loved him will remember him forever.

Memorials may be made to the James R. Love Scholarship Fund. Memorials may be mailed to the Department of Soil Science, 1525 Observatory Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706