James Oliver Lott Jr., 75, of Friendship, passed away on the afternoon of May 27 at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Jim was born in Huntington, N.Y., on Feb. 25, 1939, the son of the late James Oliver Lott and Dorothy Aspinall Lott.
After graduating from Huntington (N.Y.) High School in 1957, he graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y., as a history major in 1961. At Hobart, he met his future wife Susan Gaudern Lott who was attending the sister school William Smith College. They married June 27, 1964.
Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served from 1962 to 1964. He was stationed in New Zealand, Hawaii, and the South Pole – areas which he would proudly say he successfully defended.
Following the military, Jim forged a successful career in insurance. After working for firms such as NBC, Travelers Insurance and WR Grace, he joined Rite Aid, eventually rising to the position of Vice President of Risk Management. During his 25 years at Rite Aid, the company grew from a regional retailer to the country’s largest drug store chain.
He enjoyed nature – bird watching, wildflowers, gardening, mowing the lawn, clearing brush, boating, and fishing. He enjoyed soccer as a coach and a referee. Jim and Susan also made several hiking trips to England and Italy.
After retiring, Jim moved to Friendship, which reminded him of his childhood on Long Island. In Friendship, he was involved in community groups including the Medomak Valley Land Trust where he served on the board of directors.
He was survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Susan; sons, James O. Lott III of Friendship, and Daniel E. Lott of Sandy Springs, Ga.; daughter-in-law, Jennifer L. Lott of Sandy Springs, Ga.; grandchildren, Henry J. Lott and Katherine M. Lott of Sandy Springs, Ga.; cat, Nala; and dog, Emma.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Medomak Valley Land Trust, PO Box 180, Waldoboro, ME 04572 or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice Program, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro.
