James Big Jimmy Wallace Lamar III

James Wallace Lamar, III “Big Jimmy”, came into this world on October 12, 1947, and left us just before midnight on January 03, 2015, in the comfort of his own home with his wife of almost 50 years, Sue Ann Clary Lamar, and his ever-present dog, Molly, by his side. He was preceded in death by his father, James W. Lamar (Pom-Pom), daughter, Kim and step-father, Hugh J. Leitch. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; daughter, Michele Lamar-Acuff (Karl David); son, James Wallace Lamar IV (Katya Lane); his three grandchildren, Colin Acuff, Gretchen and James Lamar V; his mother, Dorothy Lamar Leitch and two sisters, Louise Lamar Levy and Lurleyne Lamar Terry (Don); as well as many nephews and nieces in the extended Lamar and Clary families.

Big Jimmy was born in 1947 in Pensacola to James Wallace Lamar (Pom-Pom) and Dorothy Schuster Lamar (Dotsi), graduated from Pensacola High School in 1965, served his country during the Vietnam War as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida in 1975. He was an avid reader who never lost his love of learning.

He was a larger than life man who had the best sense of humor, a wryly self-avowed gentleman and a scholar; he was a great story-teller, loved dogs, kids, the Beatles and explaining things. Big Jimmy was a dedicated Jeopardy player, a playful spirit, and an ardent confidante. Yes, he could be over-protective, highly sentimental, and a bear at times but, even then, there was usually a slant of humor. He had a big heart for the sufferings and triumphs of his family and friends, and he and Sue welcomed their friends, and their children’s friends, into their home, their businesses and their lives. He was the best father a family could ask for and his large family by kinship, and an even larger family by friendship, are now mourning.

His health had rapidly declined and when he was put under hospice care on Saturday night, none of us imagined he had only hours left. We take comfort that he is no longer suffering and is at peace. He is with the Lord and with his daughter, Kim and his father, Pom Pom, and many friends. He really is the lucky one; it’s those of us who love him who are suffering now.

Our hearts are heavy, yet we are grateful for having been part of his life. We will miss him so much and we are thankful for all of the kindness and sympathies which his friends and family have shown to us, and to one another, in this time of sadness. He had an ear for conversation and music, and could turn a phrase like lightening. Without him now, we lack apt wit to properly pay him tribute.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2015 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 3200 North 12th Avenue, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Pensacola, 5 North Q Street, Pensacola, FL 32505.

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.