James Woodrow Lamb Jr.

Born March 21, 1938, in Glen Rogers, W.Va., Jim was the son of the late Fairie Gunter Lamb and James "Woodrow" Lamb Sr. of Kopperston, W.Va. He was raised in Matney Town and Kopperston before graduating from Oceana High School in 1955.

Guided by an analytical mind and steady determination, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech in 1960 and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University in 1968.

Jim served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. Stationed at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., as a Specialist 4, he worked as a mechanical engineer assistant and received the Good Conduct Medal. His dedication continued in his civilian career, supporting the Army as an operations analyst at Redstone Arsenal, Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Knox, Ky.

For nearly 62 years, Jim shared a deep and devoted partnership with his beloved wife, Lola Cook Lamb. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and the deep love he showed to everyone in his life. Jim was an active member of Columbia First Church of the Nazarene, where he and Lola found lasting friendships and a deep sense of belonging. The people there helped shape his faith and remained by his side over the last 21 years.

In addition to his wife, Lola, survivors include his daughter, Tammy Toler, and her husband, Jeff, of Irmo, S.C.; his son, Dr. James W. Lamb III, and his wife, Laura, of Harrisonburg, Va.; and two grandsons who brought him great pride, Chase Toler of Columbia, S.C., and Logan Toler of Irmo, S.C. He is also survived by his sister, Bethel Lamb Baker of Auburn, Wash., and his brother, Dr. Roy D. Lamb, and his wife, Dr. Janie Lamb, of Mobile, Ala. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin “Jean” Lamb, who lived in Kopperston, W.Va.

Outside of work and family, Jim enjoyed the meticulous craft of woodworking and connecting with others through the Dutch Fork Amateur Radio Group. Jim appreciated the loyal companionship of his dog, Sage, and found joy in the visits from Preston, his daughter’s dog, whose loving nature always lifted his spirits.

Jim lived with prostate cancer for more than 30 years. Through faith, the steadfast support of his family, and the expertise of countless medical providers, he was able to enjoy decades of meaningful time with his loved ones—time for which he was truly grateful.

A special thanks to the dedicated doctors who walked with Jim throughout his journey: Dr. Daniel J. George, medical oncologist at Duke Health; Dr. Stuart Heinrich Burri, radiation oncologist at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute; Dr. Asheesh Lal, hematologist and oncologist at Lexington Oncology; and Dr. Sean D. Fuller of SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation. Their expert care and compassion played a vital role in extending both the length and quality of Jim’s life.

While his family grieves the loss of his earthly presence, they draw profound comfort from their faith and the story of Lazarus, holding onto its enduring message of hope and resurrection. Jim served a Savior who weeps with the brokenhearted yet holds the power to speak life into the grave.

Visitation is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo.

A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, at Columbia First Church of the Nazarene, officiated by the Revs. Geoff Kunselman and Eric Nahass.

Burial with full military honors will follow at noon Friday, April 11, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

He will be deeply missed.