James Kenneth Lambert

Jim was born on December 30, 1950, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, to Haskel Nolen Lambert and Clarice Remelle (Bond) Lambert. He graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1969 and went on to attend Austin Peay State University, where he earned a double major in economics and accounting.

From a young age, Jim discovered a deep love for music. A talented trumpet player, he was elected president of his high school band as a junior. He performed with multiple bands and recorded music in several renowned studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the same studios that hosted legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones.

Jim married Susan (“Sue”) Deborah Jenkins on June 26, 1993, in Bristol, England. They met while both were working for Bendix Corporation, during Jim’s transfer overseas. Shortly after their wedding, Sue and Jim moved to Cleveland, Ohio, beginning a life together marked by frequent moves and extensive travel for Jim’s career. Over the years, Jim’s work took them across the country and around the world. Along the way, they built a loving family and welcomed their children, Kenzie and Payton.

Jim enjoyed a long and successful professional career, holding multiple high-ranking leadership roles at many large corporations, including GenCorp, Bendix, AlliedSignal, and Lockheed Martin. His professional accomplishments and awards are too numerous to list, and at one point in his career he managed 97 plants in 16 different countries and traveled the world. Jim chose to change his career trajectory shortly after his daughters were born, recognizing that while his career mattered deeply to him, being present for his family mattered more. His career ultimately culminated in his retirement in December 2016 as Vice President of Quality and Technology at U.S. Pipe and Foundry. He celebrated his retirement with a family trip to one of his favorite places, Disney World.

Jim had many passions, including golf, landscaping, American history, and woodworking. Every home he shared with Sue featured a workshop that rivaled a professional’s. He took great joy in building furniture, often crafting special pieces to give to friends and family. A natural handyman, Jim was always ready to lend his skills to friends and neighbors whenever they needed help. A true perfectionist, he took great pride in maintaining one of the most immaculate yards on every street he called home.

In 2022, Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Though time slowly carried away his memories, the essence of who he was remained. He continued to tend his yard with quiet devotion, carefully lifting every leaf from the grass each day. A gifted musician, Jim retained the lyrics to hundreds of songs; melodies stayed with him even as so much else faded.

He continued to find joy and connection through the Pathways program at The Church at Liberty Park and the Anchor Program at Asbury United Methodist Church. In these spaces, Jim was met with warmth, patience, and a sense of belonging that meant more than words can express. He was embraced for who he was, and his presence was cherished. His family considers these programs a blessing and is deeply grateful for the care, kindness, and friendships Jim experienced there.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include his wife of 32 years, Susan Deborah Lambert; his children, Alex Mackenzie Lambert, Payton Savannah Lambert, and James Brandon Lambert (Anita); his granddaughters, Bristol and Leah; and his sisters, Nina Lambert Peppers and Lynn Lambert Brown (Bobby).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Haskel and Clarice, and his siblings, Patricia and Robert.

A memorial service honoring Jim’s life will be held at The Church at Liberty Park on January 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. After the service, all are invited to food and fellowship at the Lambert’s house: 4422 Boulder Lake Circle, Vestavia Hills, AL 35242.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Jim’s memory to make a donation to the Pathways program at The Church at Liberty Park. A scholarship will be created to offer compassion and meaningful connection for those living with memory loss, as well as comfort and support for the families who walk alongside them. Family and friends can donate through this link: https://onrealm.org/LibertyPark/-/form/give/pathways. Checks can be mailed to Pathways at 12001 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia, AL 35242, earmarked in memory of Jim Lambert.