SJN Mourns the Passing of Apollo 13 Commander James A. Lovell Jr.
Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files
Delafield, WI. August 12, 2025 – Captain James A. Lovell Jr., the legendary astronaut who commanded the Apollo 13 mission, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 97 in Lake Forest, Illinois.
James Lovell’s extraordinary legacy as an astronaut and naval officer is well-known, but his connection to St. John’s Northwestern (SJN) in Delafield, WI, is equally profound. Lovell’s son, James “Jay” Lovell III, graduated from SJN (formerly known as St. John’s Military Academy) in 1974. SJN is also proud to have two of Lovell’s grandsons as alumni: Thomas Lovell Williams, who graduated from SJN (formerly known as St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy) in 2000, and John Carl Williams, who graduated from SJN in 2007. Both are sons of Lovell’s daughter, Susan Lovell Williams.
Lovell’s bond with the Academy goes beyond academics. In 1970, while his son, Jay, was a student at St. John’s Northwestern, Jay watched his father’s successful splashdown from the home of Gavin Pitt, the Commandant of SJN at the time. This moment, captured in a now-iconic photograph, highlights the Lovell family’s deep ties to the Academy.
Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files
In 2007, James A. Lovell Jr. returned to St. John’s Northwestern Academies to deliver the commencement address for the graduating Class of 2007. That year was especially meaningful, as John Carl Williams was among the SJN graduates. Lovell’s heartfelt message resonated deeply with the class, offering both wisdom and inspiration at a milestone moment for his own family and the Academy.
“You will be amazed at what you can do. My mother could hardly believe I circled the moon in 1968, but today, my 41-year-old son doesn’t think it’s any big deal because, after all, we had done it as long as he can remember, Lovell said. Your generation will stand on a higher hill because of the mountains we had climbed. And the whole world benefits from your ready acceptance of it.”
– Captain James A. Lovell Jr., Commencement Address, June 2, 2007
Lovell’s legacy as a leader, both in space and at St. John’s Northwestern, is carried forward by his family and the values they exemplify. His son and grandsons’ commitment to SJN stands as a testament to the lasting influence of Lovell’s example and the deep ties his family shares with St. John’s Northwestern.
“James Lovell’s legacy is one of determination, courage, and service; qualities that we strive to instill in every student at St. John’s Northwestern today. We are honored that his family has been a part of our school, and we will continue to honor the impact he had on our community.” – SJN President Robert Fine.
James Lovell’s connection to St. John’s Northwestern is lasting in the SJN community. His example of leadership and perseverance continues to inspire students and alumni alike.
“James Lovell not only shaped the course of history, but also shaped the lives of those who walked the halls of SJN. As a father, grandfather, and a role model, his example of leadership and perseverance left an indelible mark on our alumni community.” – Greg Prospero, Alumni Director
About St. John’s Northwestern
St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs that are built with future aspirations in mind. SJN is a private co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7-12 and post-graduate. For more information, visit stjohnsnorthwestern.org.