James F. Lambert

Graveside service: 10:15 a.m. Thursday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: The family will receive friends 5 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, followed by a brief service.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch or Give2TheTroops.

Jim was the ultimate "man's man." Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, he learned at a very early age the value of hard work, strength of character and honesty. He grew up without indoor plumbing or electricity, went to school in a one-room schoolhouse, and had a .22 rifle as a best friend. He learned to hunt dinner for his family and was a true study in self-sufficiency. By the time he was 13, he knew all about carpentry, crop harvesting, tending livestock and the day-to-day operation of running a working farm. He was even a proud member of the Iowa State Choir (although those of us who have heard him sing suspect this was an honorary membership!).

Jim was born in Charles City, Iowa, on March 13, 1923, to Dorothy and Bernice Lambert -- the son and grandson of college graduates, practically unheard of in that time. He was the only brother to two sisters, Maxine and Wilma, and the father of two children, Lana Macko (Ron) and Alan Lambert (Barb). He is also the proud grandfather of Christie Jones (Bryan), David Lambert and Kim and Kelly Macko.

Always the patriot, Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 hoping to get a little World War II action. By the time he earned his pilot wings, however, the war was won. He quickly determined life in the military was a whole lot easier than life on a farm, and decided he would make serving his country his career. After 21 years, 6 months and 14 days of service, Maj. James F. Lambert retired from active duty. He eventually moved to Texas and opened one of the first self-storage businesses in the Metroplex, 80 West Storage. He was indeed ahead of his time!

In 1973, Jim married Imogene and her grown children added to their family. Along with Imogene came Randy Blissard and Lezlie Lewis, and eventually their kids, Noel, Allison, Cory (Kelli), Austin, Todd (Kristin), Hailey and four great-grandchildren. Life with Imy was good! They bought and sold numerous ranches, cut down tons of cedar, built fences, put up sheds, built cabins and stocked ponds. They fine-tuned their shooting skills during the week, had family over for ribs and homemade ice cream on the weekend, and traveled in the popup when they wanted to get away.

On Saturday, Jan. 15, Jim joined his Father on the Big Ranch. He will be deeply missed.

Like his hero, John Wayne, Jim was a true gentleman. He probably would have enjoyed 19th-century life more, but God has blessed us all placing Jim in our lives. Save us all a place at that table, Jim-o, and don't eat all the ribs!

Moore Funeral Home-Bowen Chapel

4216 S. Bowen Rd.

Arlington, TX 76016 (817) 468-8111