James Edward Lundy

1942 - 2025

JAMES EDWARD LUNDY

February 26, 1942 – May 6, 2025

James Edward Lundy was born in Bakersfield, California on February 26, 1942 to Dick and Clara May Lundy. He passed away suddenly on May 6, 2025 in Bella Vista, Arkansas. He always said he enjoyed a truly magical childhood while growing up in the country in a very happy and fun family. He learned the farming business from his dad early on and after graduating from BHS in 1960, he headed to the University of California at Davis where he earned his B.S. degree. After a brief time working in the citrus packing industry in Santa Paula, he missed his family and friends in Bakersfield and returned to work for Jim Burke Ford, eventually becoming manager of truck and fleet sales. But the career he loved the most was in commercial insurance with a focus on farms and ranches. Many of his clients became life-long friends.

When Jim's eyesight deteriorated and he could no longer play golf–a game with which he was consumed–or hunt or do woodworking and fix-it projects, he moved on to other activities that would bring him pleasure. He mastered the art of cooking, where his passion for it led him to create gourmet world-class meals. He enjoyed creating delectable combinations of flavors in the dishes he blessed so many of us with. Jim was a very jovial people-person and he his wife Marcia loved to entertain in their home. He was so generous both with his time and his resources, always thinking of ways to do things for others. No one, but no one, loved to laugh more than Jim, even if it was at his own, sometimes very corny jokes! He definitely was an eternal optimist, always choosing to see the cup half full.

Jim and Marcia loved to travel extensively, visiting many beautiful countries. They drove thousands of miles on road trips, and then at the age of 75 purchased their first RV and eventually covered every state in the U.S. and Canada along with their most-loved poodle, Pippin. They lived life to the fullest and laughed through each and every day.

The Lundys left California for the magnificent Ozarks of NW Arkansas in 2020 where they lived on a beautiful lake and absolutely loved this new chapter in their lives.

Jim was "Partner" to his grandchildren and found so much joy in spending time with them. He loved to surprise them and tease them silly!

Jim was predeceased by his first wife Cherie, his niece Jeannie Kirkpatrick, parents Dick and Clara May Lundy, and brother Dick Lundy.

He is survived by his wife Marcia, son David Lundy, son Robert Ray (Kellye), grandchildren Gwendolyn, Clara and Heather Lundy and Stella and Ryan Ray. He is also survived by his sister Anne Kirkpatrick (Jim), who were also his best friends, and their daughters Amy Ritchie and Katie Kirkpatrick who were always very special to their Uncle Jim; brother-in-law Tom O'Brien (Lynne); sister-in-law Dana Lundy; brother-in-law Steve Shaw (Barbara); stepson Eric Hogan, special nephew and namesake Bo (James) Lundy, and many more wonderful nieces and nephews as well as a plethora of very special life-long friends.

At his request, there will be no services. There will be a private family gathering at a later date.

If you wish to honor Jim in some special way, please pass along some kindness every time you have an opportunity and laugh often!

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