John M. "Jack" Lamb
1926 - 2021
John M. "Jack" Lamb
1926 - 2021
Obituary
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John Lamb Obituary
Born: March 30, 1926
Died: November 17, 2021
Age 95, late of Lockport, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Lightways Hospice Home, Joliet surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in North Dakota and a resident of Lockport since 1956. Retired as a Professor Emeritus from Lewis University in 1994 where he was a History Teacher for many dedicated years and founded the Adelmann Regional History Collection. A scholar of local history and the I&M canal, John served on the board for the Illinois State Historical Society. In 1972, John created Old Canal Days, still celebrated today. He also engaged in various artistic pursuits, especially wood sculptures. United States WWII Army Veteran. Member of St. Joseph Church, Lockport.
Preceded in death by his wife, Louise Mary (Nee Erdman) Lamb; One son, Michael John Lamb (2021); parents, James and Johanna (Nee Londergan) Lamb; four brothers, James, Jerome, Justin, and Joseph; and one sister, JoAnne Metz.
Survived by his devoted children, Kevin and Sean (Irene), and Justine Lamb; daughter in law, Holly Ward – Lamb; and one cherished grandson, Robert James Lamb. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated at lightways.org
Per John's wishes Cremation Rites have been respectfully addressed.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 11:00 am at St. Joseph Church 410 S. Jefferson St. Lockport, IL 60441. Following Mass Inurnment at Lockport City Cemetery, Lockport.
Family and friends can sign the online guestbook at www.oneilfuneralhome.com
Arrangements under the care and direction of O'Neil Funeral Home 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL 60441
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Mark Schultz
November 30, 2021
I got to know John soon after I began teaching history at Lewis in 1996. I'd bring my Illinois and Chicago History class to his I&M Canal collection, so he could play show and tell with the treasures he had accumulated over the decades. Perhaps nobody has ever known the story of the canal as well as John did. And I'm grateful that he shared his knowledge, with me, with the students, and through his research, writing, and organizing, with the much larger community. He created a lasting legacy.
David Orth
November 21, 2021
I met Mr. Lamb several times through my good friend and longtime assistant in the shop, Sean. Loved hearing the stories and getting the low down on the I&M canal - which I liked to canoe from Morris to Channahon. So sorry, Sean, Irene, and the rest of the family. He will be missed.
Irene Lamb O'Neill
November 21, 2021
There have been so many losses in the beloved Lamb family in recent years, first Mom, Louise in 2015, but 2021 has been devastating, when we lost their son, Michael, and now Dad, John. Blessed rest in Peace and Love.
Don Shepherd
November 20, 2021
To all family members.....what an institution. What a gift to Lockport this man was. I & M Canal, Canal Days, the Adelmann House, the history he brought to this town, & on it goes. He basically put Lockport on the map. Unselfishly giving of himself to this town. At some point, this man needs to be honored. Lockport has lost a great one & we who live or lived in Lockport, was blessed to have him...
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Michelle Rogan-Smith
November 20, 2021
Justine - So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was always so interesting to talk to about anything history related.
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