James Lott

Dr. James Arnold Lott, 72, lost his battle with cancer on October 26, 2014 at his home in New Harmony, UT. He leaves his wife of nearly 51 years, Sandra (Miller) Lott; his daughter Kim (Jeff) Gardner of Colorado Springs; daughter Kelli (Manuel) Ramirez of Phoenix; son Jason (Christine) Lott of Dallas; grandchildren Celine, Makayla and Vanessa Ramirez and Ethan and Cade Gardner; brother Tom Lott; sister Pam (Roger) Allen; many friends, co-workers, and students. Dr. Lott was born and raised in Hill City, KS, the second son of Clarence Lott and Vera Venlan Johnson Lott. He attended Fort Hays State College where he met his wife Sandra and received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemistry. James and Sandra were married on December 22, 1963 in Phillipsburg, KS. In the fall of 1964, the couple moved to Moscow, ID so he could attend graduate school at the University of Idaho. He graduated with his PhD in Chemistry and then was hired as an Assistant Professor at Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU) in Maryville, MO in the fall of 1968. During the 30 years he lived in Maryville, Dr. Lott was promoted to full professor and proudly educated thousands of students through his innovative and engaging approach to education. He drank coffee out of a beaker, squatted on lab tables and challenged students to think outside of the box. He was as unique as the pheasant feather in his hat! Additionally, James established a successful plumbing and electrical business and served his community. In 1999, he retired from NWMSU and moved to New Harmony, UT where he began teaching at Dixie State College until his second retirement in December 2006. He loved living "in the country" and served on the Harmony Farms water board for 12 years, including many years as President of the board. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar City, UT. James had many passions throughout his life: hunting, fishing, metal detecting, talking on the CB radio, and camping with his family. Once he moved to Utah, he developed a passion for gardening and worked tirelessly in his greenhouse and around the property. During tomato season, he would pick up to 40 pounds of tomatoes every three days! He was preceeded in death by his mother Vera, father Clarence and step-mother, Elsie Lott, who raised him. Services for Dr. Lott will be held next summer in Phillipsburg, KS, where he will be laid to rest. Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at www.SerenityStG.com Arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Center of Southern Utah, 986-9100.

James Lott

July 15, 1942 - October 26, 2014