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James Lackey Obituary

James McGee Lackey "Jim" CHARLOTTE - James McGee "Jim" Lackey, 77, also known as C.O.L.D. (Charlotte's Oldest Living Drummer) of Charlotte passed away on March 9, 2013. Mr. Lackey is survived by six children, Jay, Todd and wife Karla, Geoff and wife Audrey, Josh and wife Sarah, Janet and husband Vince, and Taylor and wife Brittany. He was the proud grandfather of six; Tim, Dominic, Jack, Ethan, Lila, and Sarah. He is also survived by nieces, Sarah and Shannon, nephew, Zack, and a maternal aunt, Jean King. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Taylor. Mr. Lackey was born on March 5, 1936 in Lincolnton, NC to the late Vivian Guy and Mary Barlow Lackey. His love for music and drums began at age 14, and would prove to be his life's passion. He attended Hickory High School, served in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1956, then attended Lenoir Rhyne College. Jim performed with the likes of Loonis McGlohon and the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the direction of Ray McKinley, among many others. Jim was a pioneer of Jazz Music in the area and a beloved member of the music family at The Cajun Queen for more than 25 years. He was, and will continue to be an inspiration to drummers and Jazz musicians across the country. A visitation service will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. and a funeral will be held Thursday, March 14 at Noon, both at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 7407 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28217. The funeral service will be presided by The Reverend J.A. Harbinson and The Reverend Dr. Jeff Pinkston. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Steele Creek Presbyterian Church Music Department or to Community School of the Arts, 345 North College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 to establish a scholarship for a "Jim Lackey Outstanding Jazz Student Award". J.B. Tallent Funeral Service is assisting his family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Mar. 12, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for James Lackey

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Patrick McCabe

November 22, 2021

Alec Wilder's executor sent me some tapes of the American Popular Song series back in the early 80s. Dick Haymes, Irene Kral and Tony Bennett never sounded better than when they were backed by Jim Lackey on drums, Terry Lassiter on bass and with Loonis McGlohon serving as arranger and pianist. Some of those sessions are available on youtube. The music lives on.

Dave De Masi

September 16, 2013

We are so very saddened to hear of Jims passing. We only met once at a gig. He spoke to me and my wife as if we were friends forever. He talked about his love of music and his family.He told me not to quit on my drumming. He made a profound impression on me and we e mailed back and forth. I always thought of him as my uncle since. We live in Delaware he was such an inspiration to me. I will miss him and his e mails. He was a very special person. Dave & Rose De Masi Delaware Drummer

bradford maxwell

March 21, 2013

My deepest condolences. From all my family.

March 20, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our prayers are with you.
Psalm 46:1

Jon

March 15, 2013

God bless

March 15, 2013

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Mr. Lackeys Family. We will truly miss him. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He touched our hearts and we will never forget his kindness. Penny, Renee and Lindsey

George Hoar

March 14, 2013

Jim was alway's a great pleasure to play music with! You could tell how good he was especially when he played with a big band, he helped me get around the music scene here when I moved to NC

Jeanine Marsh

March 14, 2013

Jim was a good friend to my parents, Jackie and Bill Cully, when they lived in Charlotte in the '60's. After Mother passed away, Jim continued to be a great friend to Daddy as he declined in Columbia, SC, keeping in touch with him. The two enjoyed talking about old times. I don't think I ever met him as a youngster but I did speak on the phone with him and appreciated how he helped to keep my father's spirits up. God bless you and him. Jeanine Cully Marsh

Quint

March 13, 2013

It was always a treat to speak with Jim about music, drumming, life, whatever the case may be. Beneath the humble smile there was a rhythmic talent that was as natural as breathing. I will remember the good times of seeing him play at the CQ.

Larry Duckworth

March 13, 2013

Jim got me started as a jazz drummer and I appreciate it so much. He was an incredibly positive force. You will be missed.

Antonio Johnson

March 13, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Lackey Family... Ever time I meet Jim he had huge smile on his face... You will be truly missed... Tony

Shelley Watts

March 13, 2013

Jim, it just won't be the same without you here with us. The separation is truly heartbreaking. But you will live on in us all through our sweet little Lila. Thank you for being the BEST dad ever to Taylor and his siblings, they were blessed to have you and you instilled great values in them all. We will meet again one day, until then play on my dear sweet friend.

Kam Desai

March 13, 2013

Jim was frequently our substitute band teacher at Providence Day in the early 90's and we always loved him as kids. Then later in life I always loved getting a drink with him and talking at the Queen and listening to the great music he and his gang made. He always made everyone feel special and was humble, kind, and most importantly, always in the best mood. He always brought a smile to my face. We will all miss you Mr. Lackey.

Renee Ebalaroza

March 13, 2013

Jim, it was so wonderful to work with you, although the times were too few. Your memory will live on in all whose lives you touched. Rest in peace, my friend.

Himanshu Desai

March 13, 2013

I will always remember Jim's welcoming smile every time I walked into the upstairs lounge at Cajun Queen. He took the time to get to know everyone that came. Always had time for conversation and made you feel like you were the only person that we wanted to talk to. Such a wonderful spirit and happy nature. Thank you for the memories.

March 13, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Lackey family on the death of James McGee "Jim" When I read of someone who lived a full life such as your love one, It reminds me of God's friend Abraham (Genesis 25:8) “Then Abraham expired and died in a good old age, old and satisfied, and was gathered to his people.”
(Romans 15:33) 33 May the God who gives peace be with all of YOU. Amen.

AC, CHARLOTTE NC

sheilah mullins

March 13, 2013

Jim I will never forget how warmly you embraced our son Christopher and his passion for the dream. You nurtured and shared and mentored. You did that best of all. How simply you gave him teh confidence he needed, allowing him to play with your groups in open venues. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Godspeed. Sheilah Mullins and family

Randy Higgins

March 13, 2013

I had the pleasure and honor playing with Jim the past few months at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church. I never knew of his accomplishments until after he passed. He was a dear man and an amazing drummer. We will miss you At Steele Creek Jim!

Barbara and Allan Williams

March 12, 2013

Jim was so welcoming to us as newcomers to the Queen City. We walked into the Cajun Queen and were always at "home". He had a quick wit and such a smile! We will always remember him fondly.

Hilary Winterer Yost

March 12, 2013

The kindness and interest shown by Jim to my son Andrew with regard to drummers and drumming have had a lasting impact on our family. Jim was a kindred spirit and will be dearly missed.

March 12, 2013

I'm Chris Kelly's son. I remember Jim from when I was a kid. He would come over to our house and always made me laugh. Only later did I realize what an integral part of the Charlotte music scene he was. I know he will be greatly missed by many people who were touched by his music.

Lee Morris....Seattle

Sheri Floto

March 12, 2013

Cant help but smile when I think of Jim. He always made me laugh. And I got three great step brothers in my life. The Lord bless and keep you all. blessings Sheri Floto

March 12, 2013

Jim, your music and laugh live on in our memory. You and your family remain in our thoughts. You will be missed.

Much love,
Erin and Drew Lloyd

Greg and Cheryl Corbin

March 12, 2013

Condolences to our beloved daughter-in-law, Janet and her brothers. I am glad to have had the opportunity to get to know your dad and to have seen him in his element (at Cajun Queen). We are most thankful to him for his wonderful daughter who has become such an integral part of our family. Rest in Peace, Jim.

Gordon & Rita Barnes

March 12, 2013

We will always remember Jim for his ready smile,quick wit,enthusiasm ,love of life - and his music.He lives on in the
Percussion of our lives.

Bill and Eva May Walker

March 12, 2013

Sunday nights at the Cajun Queen won't ever be the same without Jim. His music was wonderful, of course. But it was during the breaks when we really got to know and love Jim. He would pull up a chair and join us at our table, sharing a story, always making us laugh. We're not sure where great drummers go, but we know Jim Lackey is there, on the front row, taking a bow, with that impish smile, and cannot wait to tell us all about it.

March 12, 2013

Our lives won't be the same without you around, Jim....you will always be remembered with much love and laughter and gratefulness when we think of our great times together over the years making music and sharing our lives. You were a special man worth the knowing. Tom and I send our deepest condolences to all the family. May you rest in peace, Jim....

Robin Eiden

March 12, 2013

Jim was a dear friend of mine and I miss him terribly already.. The Queen doesn't feel the same without him there. My love and prayers of comfort to his family..

david floyd

March 12, 2013

Jim will be missed by us all.

Jeff Collins

March 12, 2013

Josh & Todd - I considered you Dad a good friend and will miss him. My condolences to you and your family.

March 12, 2013

Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. May our Heavenly Father comfort you and bring you peace during this time. John17:3.

Ginny Yates Alley

March 12, 2013

My Condolences to the family. I had the opportunity to meet Jim on a few occasions, thanks to Tom and Judy. What a great, sweet and talented man he was. I even had Thanksgiving with him in 2011. He had made this pea cassorole dish, it was delicious. He was a great cook as well. He will be truly missed. His talents are now up in Heaven and carrying on up there now. May God give the family here on earth comfort, courage and Faith to get them through the coming days.
Much Love,
Ginny Yates Alley

Lisa and Scott Kimmel

March 12, 2013

Our deepest condolences Josh and the rest of your family. May peace be with you all.

Karen Stutts

March 12, 2013

Jim's impact on the music community in Charlotte will be forever remembered. It won't be the same at Cajun Queen without Jim, but he will remain in the memories of those who enjoyed and appreciated his talent and smile. He will be greatly missed my many.

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