Jim Lovell Legendary Apollo 13 Commander Dies at 97

Jim Lovell, Legendary Apollo 13 Commander, Dies at 97

James A. “Jim” Lovell Jr., the iconic American astronaut renowned for commanding the ill-fated yet ultimately triumphant Apollo 13 mission, passed away on August 7, 2025, in Lake Forest, Illinois, at the age of 97.

A Storied Career in Space

Lovell’s NASA career began in 1962 and included four spaceflights. He flew on Gemini 7 and Gemini 12, served as Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8—the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon—and famously commanded Apollo 13 in 1970, where he guided his crew through a catastrophic oxygen tank explosion and devastating equipment failures. Their safe return was hailed as a “successful failure” that informed future crisis management in space.

Tributes from NASA and Family

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy praised Lovell’s “character and steadfast courage,” noting that Lovell “helped our nation forge a historic path in space that carries us forward to upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.” He added that Lovell was affectionately nicknamed “Smilin’ Jim” for his quick wit under pressure NASA.

In a heartfelt family statement, his loved ones remembered him as “Dad, Granddad, and the Leader of our family,” saying, “We will miss his unshakeable optimism, his sense of humor, and the way he made each of us feel we could do the impossible. He was truly one of a kind”.

Hollywood Remembers a Hero

Tom Hanks, who portrayed Lovell in the 1995 blockbuster Apollo 13, honored him on social media:

“There are people who dare, who dream, and who lead others to places we would not go on our own… God speed you, on this next voyage, Jim Lovell.”

Director Ron Howard, who brought the mission to life on screen, also paid tribute: Lovell’s involvement—training actors, his authenticity, and even a cameo in his Navy uniform—left a lasting mark on the film.

Life Beyond NASA

After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1973, Lovell embarked on a successful career in business, serving as CEO of Bay-Houston Towing, president of Fisk Telephone Systems, and executive vice president of Centel before fully retiring in 1991. His wife, Marilyn Lovell, passed away in 2023. He is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Legacy of Courage and Exploration

Jim Lovell’s legacy as one of the most experienced and composed figures of the Apollo era endures. His leadership during one of NASA’s most harrowing missions and his pioneering contributions to human spaceflight continue to inspire generations of explorers.