James "Jim" Lambert

Jim Lambert, 77, of Swanton passed away June 29, 2015 in the early morning at The Lakes of Monclova after a short battle with cancer. Jim was born September 21, 1937 in Delta, Ohio. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty (Camp) Lambert; his children, Linda Faulb, Jeff (Lisa), John (Lynn), Laurie (Jim) Pollock and Jimmy (Jennie); 11 grandchildren, Justin (Samantha), Amanda (Keith), Seth (Romina), Alyssa (Joe), Abi, Brianna, Ciera, Ellison, Rachel, Katherine, and Jimmy; and great-granddaughter, Zara.

A lifelong resident of Swanton, and avid Ohio State Buckeyes and Detroit Tigers fan, Jim worked at the Pilliod Company, but his legacy will be as a wonderful husband, father, and as an active member of the Swanton community. For years Jim coached his sons through the town recreational leagues in baseball and at St. Richards in basketball; through this commitment he also mentored scores of Swanton’s youth. A quiet man when he wasn’t in the stands of a sporting event, Jim was a successful fundraiser for local projects, whether it was chairing a million dollar drive for his church or during his time as president of the Swanton athletic boosters where unbeknownst to his wife, he put up their home as collateral to secure a loan for the building of a new high school boys and girls locker-room and weight-room in the 80’s.

His love and commitment to the town was evident; whether it was in his work reviving the town’s summer Corn Festival (serving as the 2013 Grand Marshal of the festival), his work with St. Richards’s athletics, his involvement with Swanton athletics (which resulted in his induction in the Swanton Athletic Hall of Fame), or serving on the Swanton Village Council.

A selfless man, Jim was most proud of his children and grandchildren and was never absent when a game was being played, a school event was scheduled, or a last second pick-up was needed.

His daughter Leslie who preceded him in death now comforts him. Also preceding Jim in death are his father, Howard Lambert; mother, Arvada VanOrman; sister, Pauline McIntosh and brother, Marion. Surviving Jim are his sister, Dolores Hicks and brothers, Harold and Richard and half-brother, Danny VanOrman.

The family will receive guests Thursday, July 2nd from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home, 204 Chestnut Street, Swanton, Ohio 43558, where a Vigil Service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, July 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Richards Church, 333 Brookside Dr., Swanton, OH 43558, where a Mass of Resurrection will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. Christopher Vasko presiding and Deacon Jerry Ziemkiewicz assisting. Interment will follow at the East Swanton Cemetery on Scott Road across from Valleywood Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Swanton Athletic Boosters or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Visitation: Thursday, July 2nd from 2 to 9 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton

Mass of Resurrection: Friday, July 3rd at 11:00 am at St. Richard Catholic Church

Interment: East Swanton Cemetery