The Jim Lovell house is more than just a fancy home—it’s a piece of history tied to a legendary astronaut who faced the stars and survived the near-disaster of Apollo 13. Nestled in the upscale suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois, this stunning property reflects the life of a man who’s walked among the greats. Jim Lovell, a name etched in NASA’s legacy, lived in this house with his wife Marilyn for over two decades. Its recent listing at $4.55 million sparks curiosity about the man behind the mission and the home he built. Why does this house matter?
It’s not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about a hero’s legacy, a place where stories of space and survival were shared. Keep reading to dive into the details of Jim Lovell’s life, his iconic house, and his real estate journey.
Who is Jim Lovell?
Jim Lovell is a name that echoes through the halls of space exploration. He’s best known for commanding the Apollo 13 mission, a gripping tale of survival after an oxygen tank explosion nearly doomed the crew. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1928, Lovell’s journey took him from a kid fascinated with rockets to a NASA astronaut who flew to the moon twice. His net worth, estimated at $2 million to $5 million in 2025, comes from his NASA career, book royalties, speaking gigs, and business ventures.
Lovell doesn’t own flashy cars, yachts, or private islands—his wealth is more practical, tied to real estate and his legacy. He owned a vacation home in Texas and the famous Jim Lovell house in Lake Forest. No private jets or sprawling estates here, just a life grounded in achievement and family.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Arthur Lovell Jr. |
| Popular Name | Jim Lovell |
| Birth Date | March 25, 1928 |
| Age | 97 years (as of August 9, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland |
| Marital Status | Widowed (Marilyn Gerlach, died 2023) |
| Spouse | Marilyn Gerlach |
| Children | Four (Barbara, Jay, Susan, Jeffrey) |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million – $5 million (2025) |
| Source of Wealth | NASA astronaut, author, public speaker, film consultant, business ventures |
| Assets | Jim Lovell house (Lake Forest, IL, sold 2022), Texas vacation home (sold 2018), no cars, yachts, private islands, or jets |
| Awards | Congressional Space Medal of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, NASA Distinguished Service Medal |
Where Does Jim Lovell Live Now?
At 97, Jim Lovell keeps a low profile, staying close to family in suburban Chicago. After selling the Jim Lovell house in Lake Forest in 2022, he’s believed to still live in the area, likely in a smaller home suited for his quieter years. His wife, Marilyn, passed away in 2023, and Lovell now spends time with his children and grandchildren, especially his son Jay, who lives nearby.
The astronaut who once orbited the moon now enjoys a simpler life, far from the spotlight. While exact details of his current home aren’t public, Lovell’s connection to Lake Forest remains strong. He’s stayed rooted in the community where he once ran a family restaurant, Lovell’s of Lake Forest, until it closed in 2015.
Jim Lovell House
The Jim Lovell house in Lake Forest, Illinois, is a gem that blends elegance with history. This 4,613-square-foot English manor-style home, built in 1995, was where Jim and Marilyn Lovell lived for 23 years. Listed for $2.99 million in 2022, it sold quickly at asking price, only to hit the market again in 2024 for $4.55 million—a 50% jump. Why the buzz? The Jim Lovell house isn’t just a home; it’s a symbol of a space hero’s life on Earth.
Its prime location, luxurious features, and connection to Lovell make it a standout in Lake Forest’s real estate scene. From its custom design to its proximity to Lake Michigan, this house tells a story of legacy and comfort.
1. Where Is Jim Lovell House?
The Jim Lovell house sits at 964 Lake Road in Lake Forest, Illinois, a wealthy suburb along Lake Michigan’s shores, just north of Chicago. This prime spot is known for its large estates and peaceful, tree-lined streets. The house is across from the lake, offering seasonal water views from the second-floor bedrooms. Lake Forest is a hotspot for luxury homes, with a median home price of $1.2 million in 2024, up 8.6% since 2022.
The Jim Lovell house, on a 0.92-acre lot, is in one of the area’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Its location near the lake and close to downtown Lake Forest adds to its charm, making it a dream for buyers seeking prestige and serenity.
2. Features of Jim Lovell House
The Jim Lovell house is a masterpiece of design and comfort. Spanning 4,613 square feet, this five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home boasts a brick-and-stone exterior, giving it a timeless English manor vibe. Built by respected architect Gene Martin, it features floor-to-ceiling windows, 10-foot ceilings, and custom millwork that scream sophistication. The eat-in kitchen, recently renovated, has granite countertops and a cozy brick fireplace. A paneled library, three fireplaces, and a finished lower level with a recreation room add warmth and space.
The synthetic slate roof and articulated foyer paneling elevate its style. Seasonal Lake Michigan views from upstairs make it feel like a retreat. The Jim Lovell house blends luxury with a homey feel, perfect for a family with a storied past.
Jim Lovell Real Estate Portfolio
Jim Lovell’s real estate journey reflects his practical yet successful life. Besides the Jim Lovell house in Lake Forest, he owned a vacation home in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. Bought in 1988, this 4,895-square-foot, four-bedroom waterfront property was listed for $3.5 million in 2016 and sold in 2018 for $2.67 million.
Its massive fireplace, multi-story windows, and stained glass with Apollo 13 insignia made it unique. Lovell and his wife moved to Lake Forest in the 1980s while he worked at Centel Corp, buying the Lake Road house in 1999 for $2.795 million. They sold it in 2022 for $2.99 million to downsize. No childhood homes or private islands are noted in his portfolio—just these two key properties tied to his post-NASA life.
Conclusion
The Jim Lovell house in Lake Forest is more than a fancy address—it’s a window into the life of a space legend. From its elegant design to its prime location, this $4.55 million estate captures the essence of Jim Lovell’s grounded yet extraordinary journey. His real estate choices, from the Lake Forest manor to the Texas lakeside retreat, show a man who valued family and legacy over flash. At 97, Lovell’s story continues to inspire, and his former home stands as a testament to his remarkable life. Whether you’re a space fan or a real estate buff, the Jim Lovell house offers a glimpse into history, luxury, and resilience.
FAQs
What happened to astronaut Jim Lovell?
Jim Lovell, the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 moon mission in 1970, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 97. The Apollo 13 mission suffered a critical explosion en route to the Moon, turning the mission into a struggle for survival. Lovell and his crew worked closely with NASA’s Mission Control to safely return to Earth despite harsh conditions. Lovell was celebrated for his calm leadership and resilience during the crisis. He died in Lake Forest, Illinois. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
How many children did Jim and Marilyn Lovell have?
Jim Lovell and his wife Marilyn Lovell had four children together: Barbara, James III, Susan, and Jeffrey. They were married in 1952 and had a long-lasting marriage of 71 years until Marilyn’s passing in 2023.
Are there any Apollo astronauts still alive today?
As of August 2025, six Apollo astronauts are still alive: David Scott (Apollo 9 and 15), Russell Schweickart (Apollo 9), Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11), Fred Haise (Apollo 13), Charles Duke (Apollo 16), and Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17). Jim Lovell passed away recently, so he is no longer among the surviving Apollo astronauts.
How old was Jim Lovell on Apollo 13?
Jim Lovell was 42 years old at the time of the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. He was the mission commander and had already been to space twice before, making him the NASA astronaut with the most time in space at that point.
