James “Jim” W. Lamberton, 77, of Dowagiac, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, after a lengthy illness.

Jim was born in Niles on Sept. 28, 1937, to the late Robert and Leona (Ritzsma) Lamberton.

On Dec. 10, 1959, Jim wed the love of his life Patricia Lamberton at a ceremony in Niles.

After graduating from Niles High School High School, Jim went on to work at his family’s business, Lamberton Implement Service, both in Niles and Decatur, where he began his gift of working on machinery. He also enjoyed farming during that time. He also was employed for many years in machine repair for National Standard. Jim was not only gifted at fixing machines, those who knew him would say that he could fix anything, including restoring old cars. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. He mostly liked quiet times with his family, especially camping with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Lamberton; and brother, Robert Lamberton Jr.

Jim is survived by his children; Rick Lamberton of Niles, Tim (Mary) Lamberton of Niles and Pamela Lamberton of Dowagiac; six grandchildren; Shanna, Matthew, Amber, Nicole, Tiffany and Breanna; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara (Leo) Judy of Niles and a lifelong friend Rocky (Caroline) Jones of Niles.

A memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be held on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles beginning at 1 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. Jim will be laid to rest with his wife at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Jim’s memory to Hospice at Home or Lakeland Hospital.

Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family or upload a photo of Jim may do so on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Niles.