James Dean Lackey

James enlisted in the military in 1970 and served the majority of time in Korea at the DMZ. He received an Honorable Discharge, December 1972. After returning home, he got his degree from San Diego State in June of 1977.

After returning to Bakersfield, he followed in his fathers footsteps by joining the local 460 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union until his retirement.

James was a 20 year survivor of Stage 4 throat cancer and although it took many things from him, it couldn’t take his zest for life. He remained healthy and active by taking up his passion of cycling, where most people would find him daily. Over the last 2 years he rode over 17,000 miles in Bakersfield and the Central Coast.

Next to Christ, his family was his greatest love. He was married to Frankie (Frances) for the last 25 years. He very rarely missed a day that he would write her a love note and leave it for her to find, of which she kept each one. There was no one, that knew them, that didn’t know how great and deep their love was.

He was immensely proud of his 3 sons from the directions they chose for their lives to the wonderful women they chose as their wives. Nick (Donna) Lackey, Josh (Paulina) Lackey and Cody (Jill) Lackey. He adored his 6 grandchildren (Antonia and Branham; Oliver and Ava; Hadley and Harper), along with his Godchildren (Sierra and Luke).

He joins in Heaven his parents (James H. Lackey and Mildred Louise Lackey), Sister (Patricia), Nephew (Dean) and 2 brothers-in-law (Frank Alvarez and Darrol Veronie).

He is survived by Wife Frankie, his 3 sons and their families, 2 sisters Brenda and Nancy, 2 brothers Steve (Kay) and Michael (Kari), nieces, nephews and so many cousins.

Services are at Hillcrest Memorial Park Mortuary on Wednesday, September 21st at 10am to be followed with a Military Service at Bakersfield National Cemetery at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warriors Project which was dear to James’ heart.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Lackey family.