Exhibit Spotlight: Jim Lovell - Eagle Scout & Astronaut

Exhibit Spotlight: Jim Lovell – Eagle Scout & Astronaut

Scouting lost one of its heroes on August 7, 2025, with the passing of James (Jim) Arthur Lovell Jr. A member of Scouting America as a youth, Eagle Scout, Mikano Order of the Arrow Lodge Member, National Eagle Scout Association President, Naval Academy Graduate, and NASA Astronaut.

Jim Lovell was a true American Hero, the first man in history to fly in space 4 times. He was one of the first 3 men in history to orbit the Moon on Apollo 8. He would then go on to become Commander of the Apollo 13. In 1996 Lovell would go on to write a book about his experience titled, Lost Moon, which would be adapted into the 1995 film Apollo 13 starring Tom Hanks.

During his career as a NASA Astronaut, he spent a total of 29 days, 19 hours, and 5 minutes in space. Lovell was a member of the NASA Missions: Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13. Jim Lovell retired from the NASA Astronaut Corps on March 1, 1973.

All of these accomplishments can be traced back to his youth and his interest in rocketry. One of his other significant pastimes in his youth was Scouting. Lovell joined the Boy Scouts of America and went on to earn his Eagle Scout rank. Lovell would also have the distinction of becoming the first Eagle Scout to fly in space. In December 1965, “the first patrol meeting in space” was held, and Lovell was a participant.

As for his commitment to Scouting, Lovell served as: National Council member-at-large and as a member of the executive board of the Sam Houston Area Council during the 1970s; he chaired a judging panel for an initiative called Project POSTAR, a campaign designed to allow Explorers to put scientific experiments into space in 1979; served as Chairman of the National Eagle Scout Association for 10 years; received a Silver Buffalo in 1992; and a Distinguished Eagle Award in 1990.

Awards Jim Lovell has won include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and two Navy Distinguished Flying Cross awards. The World Scouting Museum recognizes your service to America and to Scouting.