James Harris Lamback

James Harris Lamback

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James Harris Lamback

Alexandria, Virginia – “Jim, Lamb, Dad, Lamb-Pop”

James Harris Lamback, 75, passed away on January 30, 2023 after a year-long battle with cancer. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 3rd at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home from 4 to 7 pm. He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery this spring.

Jim was born on November 13, 1947, in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Charles Gordon and Sara Harris Lamback. He was a husband of 42 years to Karen Lamback, a dedicated father to his children, and a lifelong mentor to others. Jim loved his family, friends, and neighbors.

He graduated from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1965. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the Army and served on active duty in Fort Drum, NY. He later joined the New York Army National Guard, following his father, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, into service for his country.

Jim earned his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Albany and a master’s degree in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport. He also graduated from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, MA, as an Army Senior Service Fellow.

After proudly serving his country for 37 years in the Army National Guard, Jim retired as a decorated Colonel in 2007. He went on to lead a 14-year career as a dedicated civil servant in the National Guard Bureau. Jim’s career motivated him, enabled him to travel the world, and most significantly, introduced him to lifelong friends.

Jim was an avid golfer, car enthusiast, and loved his Manx cat, Lily. He also took pride in his southern roots, and continued the tradition of vacationing with his family at Kiawah Island, SC for nearly 30 years.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen; his three daughters Sara Lamback and partner Forrest Sturgis of Cambridge, MA; Anna Isley and husband Jonathan Isley of Charlotte, NC; Emily Lamback of Washington, DC.; son James Lamback of Albacete, Spain; grandson John Harris Isley; and brothers Charles Lamback and William Lamback.

Offer Condolence for the family of James Harris Lamback

Gathering

Cunningham Turch Funeral Home

811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

02/03/2023

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Interment

Arlington National Cemetery

1 Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA 22111

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Condolence Messages

  1. Perry Carter Retired National Guard says:

    Jim Lamback was a true friend and mentor to many people. I was the United States Property & Fiscal Officer for Georgia and Jim provided great advice to me over the years. He was a true friend to me and was always the one guy I could call for solid advice. the last time I saw Jim, he visited me in Georgia and we had a great lunch together. Jim will be missed by many including me.

  2. LTC Rob Crymes says:

    While working in the turmoil of the J8, Jim always brought a smile and genuine concern for me, my staff, and my family. We always shared a laugh and an occasional lunch. I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Jim. Sorry your family has to endure the loss of such a special person. He will be missed.

  3. Angelo Capolupo says:

    I served with Jim as a fellow USPFO. He was Seniorto me and a great mentor. Jim was an amazing person always taking the time out to share a cup of coffee when I came to NGB before embarking on a major project. I will miss him and his significant contribution to our craft

  4. Lou & Lynnette Cabrera says:

    Jim was a great friend, a patriot, always ready to help, a valued advisor, and a dedicated father. My wife, Lynnette, and I, enjoyed many times together with Jim & Karen, and will miss his smile, humor, and laugh.

  5. Michael Friess says:

    Jim was kind smart and the ultimate professional. I can still remember meeting him for the first time in the early eighties when he became an OMO working with my dad. Years later it was a pleasure working with him when he was the USPFO and I was a State Director. You could always get a good perspective of the environment from him and he would always seek advice as well to ensure a cooperative spirit. Loved having a few beers with him as well. May he be at peace.

  6. COL Vivian Caruolo says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Lamback will always be one of my favorite mentors and people. We in the USPFO community loved him as he was always there for us. As for me, he was the first person I called every week. He made me laugh, he helped me learn, and he was always the consummate professional. I owe a great deal to him and I personally will never forget him. I hope you find some solace and peace in knowing how important he was to our community. He is greatly missed and will always be remembered.

  7. COL Terry Ommen, USPFO for South Dakota says:

    Jim was not only a mentor, but a friend to all of the USPFOs. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to work with Jim over the past 7 years.

  8. COL (Ret) Matthew P. Sprenger says:

    Jim was a great guy. A mentor to me when we worked together at NGB-J8, from 2013-2017. Jim was one of the good guys, came in early, worked hard, always had your back and was good for a laugh. He will be missed.

  9. Ken Verboncoeur says:

    To the Lamback family, i am sorry for your loss and I grieve with you the loss of a great family man, a great friend and a great Soldier. I am however, grateful for the opportunity to have known Jim and counted him as a friend. May God give you peace and comfort.

  10. Allison Richardson and David Richardson says:

    Prayers lifted for your family during this difficult time

  11. Michael Murphy says:

    Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Mr. Lamback was an important mentor in my military career and especially since 2019 as I followed in his footsteps in the USPFO program in New York. Mr. Lamback always provided the best possible advice to me as we navigated through unprecedented challenges in the National Guard. He was smart, full of humor, and above all, kind.

  12. Jim Blackman says:

    So sorry for your lost Jim was a long-time mentor and friend. I will miss him.

  13. Darwin and Debbie Isley Edwards says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  14. Tim Warrick, Colonel Retired. Indiana says:

    If you knew Jim, you have lost a great friend. COL Lamback so so very helpful to me when I entered the USPFO office in 2005. There just didn’t seem to be a situation that he was unfamiliar. So very sorry for your loss.

  15. Patricia G. Baker, COL, NGB USPFO-MN says:

    COL Ret. Lamback was the epitome of the acumen and expertise that a Guard officer can possess.

    Please know how much admiration the US Property & Fiscal Officers across the 54 states and territories had for Jim.

    Know that the diaspora of USPFOs are grieving with you on this saddest of days.

  16. Roger Bodenschatz says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my families thoughts and prayers. Jim helped me get through many challenging issues in Missouri. His calming voice and understanding of our situations was extremely helpful. GOD Bless you all as you work through the loss of this wonderful man. RIP Jim.

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