James F. "Jim" Loft, 75, of Lafayette, died at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at St. Elizabeth East Hospital, Lafayette. He was a 15 year heart transplant survivor. He was born April 12, 1936 in Lafayette to the late J. Fred and Dorothy (Hoshaw) Loft. He was a 1954 graduate of Dayton High School. His marriage was to Joyce Lewis on January 2, 1955 in Lafayette. She survives. A lifelong resident of Lafayette, he was raised on a farm and spent his early married years farming and raising livestock. He then worked for Fauber Construction for over 30 years retiring in 1995 as a Superintendent. Mr. Loft was a longtime member of Kossuth Street Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for several years. He was also a proud member of the Laborers Local #274. He enjoyed the gardening and being outdoors. He was also a fanatical Purdue University Basketball fan and liked attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Surviving with his wife Joyce are four sons, James "Jim" Loft Jr. (wife: Pam, Ron Loft (wife: Janet), Randy Loft (wife: Bonnie) and Jon Loft (wife: Shana) all of Lafayette; four daughters, Linda Mussche (husband: Roger), Tammy Ricks (husband: Jack), Leesa Crum (husband: Matt) and Beckee Sondgerath (husband: Drew) all of Lafayette; three brothers, Gerald Loft of Tipton, Delbert Loft of California and Bob Loft (wife: Irma) of Dayton and five sisters, Dorothy Brown of Brookston, Mary Watts (husband: John) of Linden, Miriam Dye of Lafayette, Joy Stuckel (husband: Glenn) of Louisville, KY and Janet Anderson (husband: Charles) of Williamsport. Preceding him in death with his parents are two brothers, Ralph and Paul Loft; two sisters, Betty Clift and Elizabeth Carlson and a grandson, Brett Sondgerath. Jim loved spending time with his family, especially his 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. His world revolved around his faith and his family. He will be greatly missed. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011 at Kossuth Street Baptist Church (2901 Kossuth Street, Lafayette, IN 47904). Funeral service there 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011; Pastor Don Whipple to officiate. Interment to follow in Wyandotte Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Brett Sondgerath Memorial Fund to be used for tuture good in his name.