Active community member among four killed

Jim Lovell with his wife, Nancy Montgomery, and three sons
Jim Lovell with his wife, Nancy Montgomery, and three sons

The Sunday morning Metro-North train derailment in the Bronx brought tragedy to Philipstown with the news that Jim Lovell of North Highlands was among the four people reported killed.

Lovell resided in the Lake Valhalla area with his wife Nancy Montgomery, a member of the Town Board, and their three boys, Hudson, Jack and Finn.

The news of Lovell’s death came from various social media sources, including from at least one family member.

Lovell, a professional writer, was an affable, eager volunteer in numerous formal and informal town activities as well as Democratic Party campaigns.

On Monday (Dec. 2), Nancy Montgomery released this statement:

“Jim Lovell was a dedicated father, a caring husband, and a loyal friend. He had a passion for his work in the media and for the friendships he made and cherished. His spirit and sense of community can never be replaced. We would like to express our thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our friends, our family, and our hometown. You have been present for us so often during our lives, and especially now. We are grateful. Jim loved so many, and so many loved him.”

Photos courtesy of the Lovell/Montgomery family

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Foley is the former managing editor of The Current and a partner in foleymyers communications in Northampton, Massachusetts.

44 replies on “Jim Lovell, Philipstown Husband and Father, Dies in Train Derailment”

  1. He will be greatly missed. Jim was a gentle soul and dear person. Our hearts go out to his family.

  2. My heart is breaking for Nancy and her wonderful boys. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

  3. My prayers are with the boys and with Nancy. The community will surround you with their loving support.

  4. I’m very sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers go out to you, and the children. Now he is in heaven with God. God bless you and stay strong.

  5. My thoughts are with Nancy and her boys. Death is always tragic but a sudden one often times so much more.

  6. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Mr. Lovell’s family. I am saying a prayer tonight. Stay strong!

  7. Our thoughts and prayers are with the wonderful family of this wonderful man. Deepest condolences to friends and family.

  8. Jim will always be remembered for being a wonderful father and husband. For what it is worth, Nancy, he will always be remembered in our house.

  9. I sit here still, trying to process this sad news. Nancy is a special person to all of us in Cold Spring. Many heavy hearts tonight feeling so sad for her and her boys. Jim’s sweet smile will be missed big time.

  10. My heart is filled with sadness for your loss, Nancy. I was shocked to learn of this tragic accident. My arms are reaching out across the miles offering a warm embrace of love and comfort.

  11. I worked with Jim at NBC on special events. Jim was one of the nicest guys you could meet. Always smiling and friendly. He would always ask about my family and took a real interest in others. He would sometimes bring in his son to a Today show concert and I could tell how much he loved his family. He was a true gentle soul and will be greatly missed. Thanks James for being a friend. God bless you and may you rest in peace.

  12. The Lovell family was one of the first my son and I met when we moved to Cold Spring 10 years ago. After meeting such personable and endearing people, I remember thinking, “Wow, what an amazing community we have moved to.” Nancy, Finn, Jack and Hudson, we are so sorry for your terrible loss. Cold Spring has lost one of its finest.

  13. There is an air of great sadness present here in our house as we learned of the death of long time friend Jim Lovell. I have known Nancy and Jim since they first brought their children to Miss Kathy’s TLC in Continental Village. I have many fond memories of our times together and enjoyed watching this wonderful family enjoying each other’s playful activities. Jim came from a most respected family and he will be missed by many. My heart goes out to Nancy and her boys. I ask God to give her the strength and the courage to endure this cruel tragic burden. May it help to know that so many of us are praying for you at this time. If there is anything we can do, please reach out to us. Our Fondest Love, Miss Kathy and Family.

  14. Jim was my best friend, my role model, and source of tremendous inspiration. As I sit out here in Indiana tonight, I just cannot believe he’s gone. Its too sad. He worked so very hard and was so very special. It is great to see how much he is loved. The circle of people that Jim touched in a special way is obviously very large. He will be greatly missed. Now it is time to step up for Nancy and the boys who are also very very special.

  15. We have know Jim and Nancy for many years. Our kids went to summer camp together. Our hearts go out to them.

  16. My thoughts and prayers go to Nancy, Finn, Jack and Hudson. Jim was a sweet neighbor and friend and will be missed.

  17. Toby Shimin has set up a GoFundMe page so everyone can easily donate as little or as much as they can to support the Lovell family in the wake is this devastating loss. Please feel free to pass this link on to any of your friends/family who may be interested in participating.

    http://www.gofundme.com/5jmdbg

  18. Jim, I will miss those impromptu talks we would have in front of B&L Deli about life and work and family. You always gave great advice. My heart goes out to Nancy and the boys. You are the essence of Cold Spring. Goodbye, my friend.

  19. I worked with Jim many times thru Pro Mix and PRG. He was a kind and patient man treating me with respect, which is sometimes hard to come by in this business. I knew that he had a nice family and also knew how lucky they were to have such a nice man in their lives. I send light and love to Nancy, his wife and Jack, Finn and Hudson. I will miss knowing he’s around. RIP Jim

  20. What an amazing person and profound loss. My heart aches for Nancy, sons and all his family. God bless.

  21. Our thoughts are with Nancy and her family. We are all so saddened by losing a great friend. –Jeffrey and Kathleen

  22. I did not know Jim or his family but my thoughts go out to them. If anyone knows of anything we can do to help (cook, donate, etc.), please let me know.

  23. Jim was a true and original light on this earth. We were fortunate to have known him. Our love to Nancy, Brooke, Finn, Jack and Hudson always.

  24. Prayers and condolences to Nancy and family. I know that the amazing Philipstown community will give you the strength and support needed to sustain you.

  25. I was so shocked to hear this very, very sad news. My sincerest condolences. It has been a long time since I have seen Jim, back at an O’Neill High school reunion. Still he had his special light, and one could always feel his quiet talented beauty, that resided within. He was a special human being. May his light now become your beacon, guiding you forward, in his loving memory. God bless Jim and all of you, his beloved. Peace be with you.

  26. Nancy, I’m so sorry, and I just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you and your family. My very deepest condolences and prayers.

  27. We are so saddened by James’ death, and our hearts and prayers go out to Nancy, their sons, and their family.

  28. I didn’t know Mr. Lovell well at all, I’d only spoken with him once or twice over the years. I wish I’d have known him better. I am deeply saddened and sick to my stomach to hear of the unspeakably tragic loss of one of my North Highlands neighbors. A wonderful man who was obviously loved and respected by so many. Rest in peace.

  29. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy, Finn, Hudson, and Jack.

    Our children shared Ms. Kathy (Continental Village Toddler Learning Center), the Cold Spring Fire Academy, and the Philipstown Recreation Center. Jim would also have a gracious smile and a kind hello during drop off or pick-up. In those defining moments of celebration of our children’s accomplishments, we would all stand together admiring how our children have grown, complimenting one another on what great kids we all have and how lucky we are. The pride he had for his children poured out of him as if he could not shut off a faucet. His spirit will live on in the great accomplishments his family will have in the years to come. He was and will always be extremely proud. May he rest in peace.

  30. There are no words to comfort the tragic death of James, a beloved father, husband and much loved in our community. Lydia, Marty Emi, Melina and I grieve with you and love you.

  31. My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s tragic death. He was a very warm person. My heart goes out to Nancy and her fine boys as they deal with such a tremendous loss. I truly wish I could do more.

  32. For the first time in my life, I am left truly speechless. Nothing I can say or write can convey what a very special person Jim Lovell is and was. He lived a charmed life in that Jim was blessed with a wonderful and loving wife, as well as the three most amazing young sons, all of whom are a reflection of everything good Jim was. I have no need to remember Jim since I see him every time I look at his children. For Nancy, Hudson, Jack, and Finn, your husband and father is not gone, he will always be with you, and watching over you. You are what he lived for and continues to love most. Human kind has lost one of its most precious members this Sunday, may we all try to be half the man Jim was.

  33. Just like many I was rendered speechless to hear the news. I worked with Jim at NBC and he always had such a positive attitude and easy going demeanor. There are not many left like him out there and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Jim you were an amazing individual and God has truly gained an angel… Rest in peace and please if there is anything we can do for his family let us know!

  34. So many hearts ache for you and the family, Nancy. Know that the collective embrace of caring from all who is sending light, love and strength.

  35. As a former resident of Cold Spring, I was deeply saddened by this news. Heartfelt condolences and prayers to Nancy and her boys from Montana.

  36. Jim was the kind of husband who welcomed his wife’s Nancy’s friends warmly. He just radiated kindness every time I visited their home or met him. My youngest and his and Nancy’s oldest, Finn, were buds in elementary school, and my husband also knew Nancy through work at the Riverview. It was obvious as I got to know her more through our years in Cold Spring that Nancy and Jim had a loving and supportive marriage, and that they raised their kids with the same love and care. Nancy has always been so adventurous and daring, venturing into music production and politics, and it was so obvious how Jim supported her over the years. I think their life together can be summed up by Nancy’s Facebook post on Thanksgiving, before this horrible accident:

    SO Grateful!! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

    For each new morning with its light,
    For rest and shelter of the night,
    For health and food, for love and friends,
    For everything Thy goodness sends.
    ~ Emerson

  37. I knew “Jimmy” in high school, back in Highland Falls. It has been many, many years but I remember him well. He was such a nice, nice guy back then .. and I see from all the posts, TV spots and news articles he was that same wonderful guy throughout his life. With love and sadness I send my prayers to his wife, children and all his family May God keep you in His care.

  38. Just heard his sons and wife on AC 360. What impressive young men, the kind any father would be so proud of. His wife and sons were so proud of him and that came through loud and clear. May God bless you all.

  39. Ms. Montgomery and children: It is very hard, if not impossible, to find the “why” of the tremendous loss you are enduring. Be aware that people like me are hurting over the tragedy that have fallen upon you and your children. Having suffered personal losses, I want you to be aware that Mr. Lovell will continue being a strong person in your lives. The fact that he is not around physically does not mean he is not with you spiritually. Mr. Lovell will continue being a guiding light and a source of inspiration and strength in your lives. God bless you. –Al Martinez, Bedford, Texas

Comments are closed.