James Edward Lambright

Mr. James "Jim" Edward Lambright, 88, of Aiken, SC, died peacefully at his home with family by his side on September 16, 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.      

Jim was born on December 27, 1933, in Ecorse, Michigan, son of the late W.K. and Edith F. Lambright. After graduating from high school, Jim went into the Air Force and served in the Korean War as a Dental Med Tech. After the war, Jim showed his strong work ethic by becoming an Industrial Engineer in automobile manufacturing. Jim's career took him to Aiken as the Plant Manager of the FMC Outdoor Power Equipment facility in 1975 where Jim met Francis (Frankie) G. Pendergast who became his wife for 45 wonderful years, In 1981, the plant was enlarged to encompass the FMC Armored Vehicle Production which led Jim and Frankie to Turkey for four years on assignment. While there, Jim oversaw the building and startup of a new joint venture business in which FMC-Nurol produced armored vehicles for the Turkish army.

     Jim was an active volunteer and enthusiastic in his charitable work. He served for several years as Vice President of the Aiken United Way in the 1970s and as Co-Chair for one of the first fundraisers for ACTS in 1994. Jim was a member of the Aiken Rotary Club and a charter member of the Aiken Sunrise Club which he worked to establish as a morning breakfast club. He served as President and Treasurer and was a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary. Jim was honored by the Aiken Sunrise Club with the Rotarian of the Year Award in 1996, a testament to his loyal service and integrity. Jim was an active member of St. John's United Methodist Church in Aiken, serving on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and delivering Wednesday night suppers.

     Tennis was one of Jim's passions. He served as Captain of many tennis teams that won local leagues, States, and even went to Regionals one year. Jim championed the startup of the Senior league and illustrated his diplomacy skills by talking one of the reluctant teams into joining. He was a talent and a gentleman both on and off the court. His favorite shot was a zinger down the line, and to this day, they say, "You've been Lambrighted!" In addition to tennis, Jim loved to travel. While living in Turkey, Jim and Frankie caught the travel bug. Their journeys took them to 31 different countries.      

     In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother W.K. Lambright Ill.

     Jim is survived by five children: James K. Lambright (Liz Brown) of Madison, WI; Julie L. Miller (Kurt Wanty) of West Bend, WI; Laura L. Hollander Medinger (Jeff) of Minocqua, WI; Douglas R. Pendergast of Milledgeville, GA; and Frank W. Pendergast (Heather) of Milledgeville, GA and his niece and nephew, Patty and Billie Lambright of Allen Park, MI.. Jim and Frankie have a combined 16 grandchildren: James R. Lambright (Danielle), Schaun Lambright (Abby), Amanda L. Mathews (Kevin), Erin M. Froemming (Eric), Eric Miller (Kristen), Elyse M. Paradise (Ryan), Danielle L. Chronis (Pete), Chase Hollander, Chelsea Hollander, Reagan Pendergast, Laine Pendergast, Morgan Pendergast, Emma Holder, Whit Pendergast, Elizabeth Holder, and Katelyn Pendergast. They are also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren.

     A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church on September 24^th at 11 AM. A reception will follow in Ward Hall.

     Those who wish to make a donation in Jim's name can send a contribution to the Aiken Women’s Heart Board (P.O. Box 5211, Aiken, SC 29804

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC