James Edward Lotz of Prince Frederick, MD, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA and Summerville, SC, passed peacefully on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Summerville Med. Center in Summerville, SC. Jim was born in Augusta, GA on May 29, 1962.
He is survived by: his loving wife Tracey (Deegan) Lotz, sons, Matthew R. and Tyler J., two daughters in-law: Allison (Montei) Lotz and Alison (Claus) Lotz; two grandchildren (Matt/Allison) Emma Grace and Harrison; parents John G. and Trudie C. (Shea) Lotz, three sisters: Cheryl M. (Lotz) Della Valle (Tony), Lois D. (Lotz) Hillegas (Jason), Noemi K. Tomarkin and brother Gary W. Lotz (Mary A. Lattner); loving nephews and nieces : Timothy, Vincent, Joseph, Angelo, Zachary, Anthony, Robert, Donald, Shawn, Cole, Lindsey, Kelsey, Elizabeth,Julia and loving aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marie (Schmiedecke) Lotz, maternal grandparents, Ludwig R. and Marie E. (Abt) Schmiedecke, James and Catherine M. (Mehaffey) Shea; paternal grandparents, George A. and Frances M. (Festner) Lotz; as well as other family and friends.
Jim courageously served his country for 23 years in the US Air Force, including 1st Combat Camera Squadron. He served various missions around the globe to include Operations Uphold Democracy, Joint Force and Enduring Freedom. Jim’s major military awards and decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Terrorism Service Medals. He continued to serve as a civilian, most recently as Deputy Director of Public Affairs, for Air Force District of Washington, Joint Base Andrews, MD.
Jim was a great friend to many and loved by all who knew him. To many he was larger than life and had an infectious humor, matched by his huge heart. He was a generous and honorable man who dearly loved his wife, his sons and their wives, his parents, siblings and entire family, but especially his grandchildren who will undoubtedly miss their “Bop”. Jim leaves an indelible mark on all who have known him, his passing will leave a hole that will need to be filled with the many positive memories he has made. We have all been blessed to have him part of our lives.
Services are being planned for Pittsburgh, Summerville and Washington DC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer at: https://bit.ly/36V9xlx.