James W. Lambright

Syracuse - James W. Lambright, 78, died Wednesday at Elkhart General Hospital from complications of open heart surgery. He was born August 24, 1934, in LaGrange to Cleo and Orpha (Hostetler) Lambright. After graduating from Shipshewana High School, Jim served his country in alternative service PAX from 1955-1959. On June 25, 1960, he married Virginia Pletcher at Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen. They resided in Goshen for over 30 years, before moving to a lakefront home in Syracuse in 1992. Jim was a serial entrepreneur whose interests ranged from agriculture to real estate development and retail services. He was also an award-winning sales executive with Hubbard Mills, Allied Mills, and Carl S. Akey, Inc; and the co-founder and president of Lamson Inc. He served on many committees at Eighth Street Mennonite Church, was a long time member of the Goshen Noon Kiwanas Club, member of Syracuse Kiwanas Club, and most recently was a member of Saint Andrews Methodist Church. Jim enjoyed traveling, boating, off-roading, spending time with his grandchildren, and enjoying new experiences. He is survived by Virginia, his beloved wife of 52 years, and his children; a son, Stephen (Vanessa) Lambright; a daughter, Gina (John Cheney) Lambright, both of San Francisco, CA., grandchildren; Edan Lambright, Lucas and Bryson Cheney, three sisters; his twin, Janet (Dale) Kanagy, Eloise Sommers, and Wanda (Martin) Brotherton, three brothers; Richard (Ruthie) Lambright, Robert (Shirley) Lambright, and Vernon (Beth) Lambright, and 20 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law, Myron Sommers, David Honderich, and Richard Martin. Friends may call 1- 3 p.m. Sunday at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at 3:30 p.m., led by family and friends. Burial will be on Monday at Violett Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org.