News Summary
The community of Columbia gathered to honor Jim Lamb, a man known for his resilience, kindness, and service. A veteran and loving family man, Jim’s journey touched many lives. His legacy of unwavering support and gentle spirit will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
Remembering a Gentle Soul: Jim Lamb
In the heart of Columbia lies a story of resilience, love, and service that spans generations, and this past week, the community came together to celebrate the life of a remarkable man, Jim Lamb. Born on March 21, 1938, in the quaint town of Glen Rogers, W.Va., Jim’s journey began in a world that would see him grow into a symbol of kindness and dedication.
A Life Rooted in West Virginia
Jim was the cherished son of the late Fairie Gunter Lamb and James “Woodrow” Lamb Sr. His early years were spent in the bustling communities of Matney Town and Kopperston, where he graduated from Oceana High School in 1955. Eager to expand his horizons, Jim didn’t stop there. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech in 1960, paving the way for a fulfilling career dedicated to service.
Service to Country and Community
In 1961, Jim took a significant step forward by enlisting in the U.S. Army. His time from 1961 to 1963 stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, was marked by hard work and achievement as a Specialist 4. He was proud of his role as a mechanical engineer assistant and was honored with the Good Conduct Medal for his exemplary service. After his military career, Jim continued to serve as a civilian operations analyst, with assignments at Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Knox, Kentucky.
A Family Man
After nearly 62 years of marriage, Jim was the loving husband to Lola Cook Lamb, with whom he shared countless joyful memories. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including a daughter, Tammy Toler, and her husband Jeff from Irmo, S.C., as well as a son, Dr. James W. Lamb III, and his wife Laura of Harrisonburg, Va. Jim’s pride grew as he embraced his role as a grandfather to two grandsons, Chase and Logan Toler.
A Deeper Connection
Beyond family, Jim was known for his gentle spirit and unwavering kindness. For over 21 years, he was an active member of the Columbia First Church of the Nazarene, where he formed lasting friendships and connections with others in the community. His siblings, including sister Bethel Lamb Baker of Auburn, Wash., and brother Dr. Roy D. Lamb and his wife, also provided him with love and support throughout his life.
Hobbies and Interests
Aside from his professional and family commitments, Jim had a passion for woodworking, often turning simple pieces of wood into treasured keepsakes. He shared his love for the craft within the Dutch Fork Amateur Radio Group and enjoyed playful moments with his dog, Sage, and visits from his daughter’s dog, Preston.
Bravery in Adversity
For over 30 years, Jim faced the challenges of living with prostate cancer, but he did so with a heart full of gratitude for the time spent with family and friends. He often took the time to recognize the dedicated care he received from several doctors, who played a pivotal role in his battle against the illness.
Final Farewell
With heavy hearts, family and friends gathered to celebrate Jim’s life, drawing comfort from their faith and the uplifting story of Lazarus. Visitation was held on Thursday, April 10, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel in Irmo. A funeral service took place the following day at 10 a.m. at the church he loved so dearly, followed by burial with full military honors at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.
Jim Lamb’s legacy as a devoted family man, a caring friend, and a loyal servant to both his country and community continues to inspire all who had the privilege to know him. His gentle spirit and unwavering kindness will be missed but never forgotten.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: James Lamb
- Wikipedia: West Virginia
- Kepner Funeral Home: Catherine Vidovich
- Google Search: Mechanical Engineering
- Obituary Profile Photo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: U.S. Army
- Cowichan Valley Citizen: Gailene Faie Branting
- Google News: Prostate Cancer
