James Harris Lamback

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.