James W. Lambert

PEKIN ~ James W. “Jim” Lambert, 71, of Pekin, a loving and devoted husband, dad and grandpa passed away peacefully at 9:05 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2022 at his home. Jim was surrounded by his family and finally healed following a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. He also was known to many as “Slick.”

Born November 11, 1950 in Pekin to Willie Roy and Ila B. (Clark) Lambert, he married Sandra K. “Sandie” Chism on August 2, 1980 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Jennifer Lambert of Pekin; three grandchildren, Gavin Lambert, Nathan Lambert and Bethany Lambert, all of Pekin and one brother, Gary Lambert of Bloomington. He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Robin Lambert of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Sean Lynn Lambert on August 18, 2021 in Lakeland, Florida; two brothers, Carroll Lambert and Gene Lambert and two sisters, Margaret Dhaese and Donna Mullen.

A 1968 graduate of Delavan High School, Jim had served in the United States Navy.

Jim worked as a pipefitter from 1973 until retiring in 2013. He previously had worked at Corn Products Company from the age of 18 until he left CPC in 1981.

He loved Jesus and His church and attended Pekin First Church of God, where he was active volunteering with the food pantry, vacation Bible school and as a greeter. Jim was a fan of NASCAR and also enjoyed bicycling.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Kim Bacon, Pastor Steve Greer and Pastor Nona Carroll will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial contributions may be made to Pekin First Church of God, 2520 Maywood Avenue, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406. A donation to AFTD in Jim’s name to fund research, treatment, education, and hopefully someday a cure for this devastating disease. This was so important to Jim that his last selfless act was a donation of part of his brain to further research.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com