James Herbert Lamberth

James “Jim” Herbert Lamberth , 95, a longtime Long Beach, California resident, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 after an extended illness. Jim was born on April 9, 1928 in Dallas, Texas to Mildred and Hollie Lamberth. He was one of their five children; Raymond, James, Charles, Robert and Mary Ellen.

After graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1945-1949. Jim’s Navy service was focused on patrolling the Pacific after the end of WWII including China and Japan. During his service, Jim met his first wife Jean Nelson in Honolulu, Hawaii.

After finishing his BS in History at Sam Houston State University, Jim enrolled in Southern Methodist University, graduating with a Master’s in Divinity. He then entered into ministry with the United Methodist Church, serving as pastor for numerous parishes in Texas, Minnesota, and California. Jim and Jean’s family grew along the way with the births of their three daughters Lani, Hollie, and Laurie.

Jim left the ministry in 1972. He then developed a successful real estate career working as an agent, broker, and property manager across Long Beach, adjacent LA county cities, and northern Orange County, California. In 1972, Jim met Adele (Adi) at the home of mutual friends, and it was the beginning of an amazing love story. Jim and Adi were married on November 17, 1974, and shared 50 happy years together in Long Beach until his passing. Over the years, they built lasting friendships, and enjoyed many traveling adventures in Europe and throughout the United States.

A deeply caring and compassionate man with a welcoming smile, Jim was an avid and active community volunteer, serving in leadership roles with Exchange Clubs in Newport Beach, Downey, and Long Beach as well as the Navy League and the Destroyer Escort Service Association (DESA). Jim was instrumental in the approval and installation of the Lone Sailor statue dedicated on December 11, 2004 in Bluff Park at the corner of Ocean and Paloma Aves in Long Beach. His memory stands tall with this statue.

Jim is survived by his wife, Adi Lamberth, one sister, three daughters, one stepson, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for Jim at Luyben Dilday Mortuary in Long Beach on November 11, 2023 at 2 PM.