James Leon Lamb

James Leon Lamb, 91, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026. Jim was born April 29, 1935, in Macon County, Missouri, to Harvey Ralph Lamb and Mabel Burkhart Lamb. After Mabel's death in 1942, he was raised by Catherine Smith Lamb, who played an important role in his life.

Jim grew up in Macon and graduated from Macon High School in 1953. In 1954, he married Donna Jean Western. They were married for 72 years and built a life filled with family, friendship, community, and countless shared adventures.

Jim and Donna lived in Macon, Arizona, and California before Jim entered the United States Air Force in 1957. He served four years in the Strategic Air Command and was stationed in Bossier City, Louisiana. Following his military service, the couple lived in Burbank and San Jose, California, before settling in Boca Raton, Florida, where they raised their children.

Jim and Donna were deeply involved in their community and their children's activities. Both built careers with IBM and remained active socially throughout their lives. They enjoyed bowling leagues, square dancing, golfing clubs, and were also very active in drag racing. In retirement, they embraced their love of travel, following the NASCAR circuit around the United States in their RV.

Later in life, Jim and Donna moved to Cary, then Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, and later to Monroe and Clayton. Jim especially enjoyed his time at the Clayton Senior Center, where he made friends and enjoyed playing cornhole.

Jim will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his friendships, his love of community, his adventurous spirit, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout the years.

He is survived by his children, Michael Lamb of Boca Raton, Florida; Scott Lamb (Elizabeth Boehly) of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; and Kimberly Lamb Harris (Tal Harris) of Clayton, North Carolina.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Thomas Russell, Joshua Lamb, Erin Lamb Tufts, Kyle Lamb, Matthew Lamb, Ben Harris, Joseph Lamb, Wilson Harris, and Naomi Lamb Houston; and his great-grandchildren, Riley Russell, Lainey Russell, Marley Desinord, Carter Desinord, Hailey Story, Noelle Houston, Allianna Houston, and Loralai Tufts. He was preceded in death by his great-grandchild, Mikah Houston.

The family will receive friends on September 5, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the home of Tal and Kim Harris, 2744 Medlin Road, Clayton, NC 27527. This will be a drop-in Celebration of Life, and family and friends are welcome to come and share memories of Jim.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans in the name of James Lamb.