James Lambert

James Lambert James "Jim" Lambert, the guy with the "big heart", was suddenly taken from his friends and family April 2, 2014, from a massive heart attack. His wife of 40 years, Carol, was at his side sharing another story, a joke, a hug, that Jim is so remembered for. James John Lambert was born August 7, 1946 to William (Jack) and Helen Lambert in Eugene, Oregon. Jim married Carol Ann Elis on June 21, 1973 on a trip to Montana to meet his "extended family". Jim is survived by his sister, Darlene Netzer (Gary), Ridgefield, WA; and brother, Sid Lambert, Springfield, OR. Jim will be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law, Marlene Himes and Sharon Jones; brothers-in-law, Jim and Dave; along with his nephews, nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Many years of good laughs, birthdays, holidays, special occasions, or just a lazy afternoon swapping stories, watching John Wayne movies, or listening to country music, was shared between Jim and the "kids". Although Jim was born with a heart condition, it never stopped him from doing the things he loved. He graduated from Thurston High School, followed by years working as a logger in the woods of Oregon and Washington. He also attended Lane Community College. Jim enjoyed wood working and one of his greatest passions was working with high school kids in the wood working shop at Springfield High School, where he was employed (and retired) as a maintenance man for the Springfield School District. Some of the many activities that he participated in during his life was hunting, fishing and working on old cars and trucks in his shop in Springfield, which was filled with so much "valuable stuff" there was just enough room for a path to get from one work bench to the other. He was attracted to the water and one of his major accomplishments was becoming a certified scuba diver. He often talked about diving under the Narrows Bridge amongst the ruins of the fallen bridge and in the Hood Canal area. Vancouver Island was also a favorite spot of his where he often encountered large squid and octopus. In December 2001 a bad fall left Jim confined to a wheel chair. However, this disability did not dampen his spirits. Jim always had a smiling face, a helpful hand or a hug for anyone, anywhere. His positive attitude, sense of humor, and laughter always radiated around a room. In 2008, when Jim came to live at the C & R at Panorama City, in Lacey, Washington, he became the "life" of the ward. His compassion, love and strength are an inspiration to others in like situations. Jim will be missed by the many people whose hearts he touched and whose lives he made better. Please join Carol, family, and friends in Jim's Celebration of Life at Panorama City Chambers House Restaurant Garden Room, 1751 Circle Ln. SE, Lacey, WA, June 28, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. Memorial donations suggested to: P/C Care, 1751 Circle Ln SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Please share memories with Jim's family and friends in the online obituary guestbook at www.FuneralAlternatives.org. Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Lacey. 360-491-2222.