James “Jim” D. Lambert Sr., 69, passed away Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 in Mesa, AZ.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Darlene, mother Beulah, father Elmer, and brother Wayne. He is survived by his wife Paula, sister Peggy, brother-in-law Dan, son James Jr. and daughter-in-law Patricia, sons Michael, Israel and daughter-in-law Lida, daughter Alicia and son- in-law David. He is also survived by his grandchildren Donovan, Ezekiel, Devyn, Logan, Ty, Allyson, Tristan, Wyatt, Brynae, and Emily.
Jim was born on Jan. 13, 1947, in Ashland, WV. His family moved to Baltimore, MD, when he was young. Jim joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967, and left a Vietnam veteran. It was at his last duty station in Tucson, AZ, where he met his first wife Darlene. After getting married and a brief stay in Baltimore, they settled in San Manuel, AZ, where he spent 18 years working for Magma Copper Co. In San Manuel, he found his calling for serving his community. Throughout his years in San Manuel, he was a Little League coach and president, youth football coach and president, school board president, as well as serving on the boards of the library and golf course.
After the death of Darlene, Jim met his second wife Paula, and moved to Casa Grande, where he again served the community, for both the Central Arizona Valley Institution of Technology Governing Board, and the Arizona High School All-stars Games. Every year you could find him and Paula running the Arizona State Chili Cook-Off, as well as numerous other community events in and around Casa Grande.
Along with his community service, Jim loved family, spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, westerns, reading, and taking in a baseball game
Services will be held Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 at 1 p.m., at the Rose Hill Funeral Home, 1130 S. Horne, Mesa, AZ. A reception and 70th birthday party is being planned after, with details to follow. For any questions, please call James at 480-516-2519 or Paula at 520-560-2256.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in the name of James D. Lambert, Sr.