James Victor Lambert, better known in the community as simply Mr. Lambert, went to be with the Lord on February 17, 2019. Jim Lambert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ellen Pearl Lambert (Rhodes); his loving parents Victor Clyde Lambert and Irene Augusta Lambert (Hardway).

Jim Lambert is survived by his daughter,  April Jo-Ellen Wilkewitz (Lambert) and her husband Damon Wilkewitz of Summersville, WV; grandchildren, Rachel Augusta Frame (Wilkewitz) and Daniel Frame of Barboursville, WV and Samuel James Wilkewitz of Summersville, WV; son, Victor Ryan Lambert of Strange Creek, WV; daughter, Susan Faith Lambert of Texas City, TX; cousin, Donna Rae Lambert of Strange Creek, WV; his sister, Charlotte Campbell McKinney (Lambert) and David McKinney of Fayetteville, WV and sister, Barbara Lambert of Servia, WV.

Jim’s life began on November 21, 1949 in the hills of Strange Creek, WV, where he gladly remained until his untimely death.

With the help of his father and close family friend and neighbor Everett “Chip” Dean, Jim built the Lambert family home in Strange Creek. At the family home, he enjoyed gardening and tending to his flowers. Red roses and Black-Eyed Susans were among his favorites.

Some of Jim’s fondest memories were on his beloved Strange Creek Farm, where he was an owner, trainer and breeder of Tennessee Walking Horses. His love of horses began at a young age, as he persuaded his mother to buy him a horse by riding her dairy cow. He started his riding career with his horse Luther as a member of the Duck Creek Gang. Since 1970, Jim was an active member of the Central WV Riding Club and was currently serving as Vice President. He traveled to various states to attend and participate in horse shows. Although he was a talented equestrian, his true passion was breaking and training young horses. He was also a talented farrier. His beautiful farm expanded over the years with the construction of the Bunkhouse on the Elk River and the conversion of his father’s block plant to storage units. As was his father, he was also the caretaker of Strange Creek Cemetery.

Education was very important to Jim. He graduated from Gassaway High School in 1967, where he served as Vice President of his graduating class. His classmates and the memories they shared held a special place in his heart. He was an active member of the Gassaway High School Alumni, and even wrote a book of stories detailing their fun and ornery times at Gassaway High. He received his undergraduate degree from Glenville State College in 1972, and received his master’s degree in School Administration as well as an Advanced Administrative Certificate from the College of Graduate Studies.

His love of education extended into a career, serving the community and impacting the lives of thousands as an educator and administrator for over 37 years. His career highlights include principal of Nebo Elementary School, principal of Davis Elementary School, superintendent of Gilmer County Schools and serving as principal at Braxton County High School for 20 years.

Jim always had an active imagination and a true gift for storytelling. His children grew up with Jim’s original bedtime stories, such as “The Adventures of Stringbean” and “Tom and Joe and the Skunkladder.” It wasn’t until he retired that he cultivated his talents and put pen to paper. He spent countless hours meticulously writing and researching for his books, newspaper articles and short stories.

Jim was a Godly man and a devout Christian. He was a member of Strange Creek Baptist Church and still knelt to pray at the very same altar where he was saved when he was ten years old. He kept detailed notes and a prayer journal and enjoyed studying the Bible. His favorite verse was Psalm 27:14.

Jim lived a simple and humble life with his family, friends, horses and God. Mr. Lambert was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the entire community.

“Always do the right thing.” – Jim Lambert

Funeral Service will be 11 A.M. Tuesday,  March  5, 2019 at Gassaway Baptist Church with Pastor Damon Wilkewitz officiating.

Visitation will be 4 to 9 P.M. Monday, March 4, 2019 at the Gassaway Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the following: Strange Creek Baptist Church, 387 Baptist Hanes Road, Duck, WV 25063 or National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 or call 1-800-344-4867 to donate to the MS Society by phone.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.