Donald J Lancaster

Jim Lancaster, a native of Gadsden and graduate of Glencoe High School, passed away December 30, 2024 at the age of 67. He was best known for his generosity, his love for cooking and entertaining, and his ability to talk (often at length and on any subject) with anyone who would listen. If Jim thought something was worth doing, he gave it 110%. Although Jim is gone, he will live on in the hearts and minds of the many he impacted.
His is survived by his two sons, Ian Matthew, wife Allison and grandsons, John Cassel, Harry Dell, and Callan Gregory; son Erik Michael, wife Noelle and granddaughters Scarlett Rosemary and Bridget Ivy; former wife of 37 years Rebecca (Becky) Noah, brother Ronald (Sharon) Lancaster, sisters, Lou Ann (Richard) Collier, Iris (Susie) (Ken) McEwen and sister-in-law Rebecca (Becky) Withrow Lancaster, as well as many nieces and nephews. Lastly, his lifelong best friend, Perry Williamson.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Jack Lancaster and older brother, Richard (Ricky) Lancaster.
Jim developed his trademark work ethic at a young age working at Elmington Products, where many friends got their first job under his leadership. He also was a proud member of Glencoe High's 1973 State Championship football team, known for his ability to get down the field and make tackles on kickoffs - he famously, and would eagerly recall for you, that he broke 13 helmets that year alone. Following graduation, Jim went searching for fame and fortune in the oilfield, ultimately working in three states and moving 13 times before building an international, million-dollar company based in Houston, Texas. Outside of his business, Jim devoted much of his time to his sons' sports teams – be it football, baseball, or soccer – and served as a youth baseball coach for 13 years, with his teams winning several state championships and, most notably, a USSSA national championship. Nine of the young men he coached since tee-ball went on to receive Division One scholarships, with two making the professional level.
A celebration of his life will be hosted by his brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Sharon Lancaster, at their home located at 1202 Larrydale Drive in Glencoe, Alabama on Sunday, January 12th from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Spring-Klein Baseball Association or to his grandchildren's college fund.