James Lamson

Lamson, James Q. 1/3/1933 - 12/27/2021 Otsego James Q Lamson (88) died Dec.27, 2021, Cornerstone Hospice, The Villages, FL. He was born January 3, 1933 to Jesse & Henrietta Lamson in Kalamazoo, MI. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1951. On February 7, 1953 he married Margaret "Maggie" Youngs his high school sweetheart. Jim served as a gunner on a B-26 light attack bomber in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. When not flying on a mission Jim was often asked to put his artistic ability to use by painting cartoons, names, etc. on the noses of squadron aircraft. Some of his paintings have been recognized in Korean Air War publications. He was awarded the Air Medal for courageous actions against the enemy for a special mission flown to drop flares on the attacking Chinese troops. After the cease-fire he joined his squadron in building a small orphanage outside their base at Kunsan with old tent frames & wood from bomb crates. Jim took great pride in helping the orphans. In 2003 Jim & Maggie had the privilege to travel to Korea during Korea's 50 year celebration of the end of the Korean conflict. At the award dinner they were seated at a table with the current commander of Kunsan's Air Force Base. Jim was thrilled when told by the commander that the orphanage had continued to grow into a 3 story building. It was an honor when Jim was personally awarded the Korean Service Medal by President Roh Moo-Hyun in gratitude for his service. Jim earned Master degrees from Arizona State University & Western Michigan University. He taught art at Saginaw Township schools, Ann Arbor Pioneer High School & retired from Ohio University. As an Assistant Professor of Art Jim delighted in sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with his students for painting, casting bronze and pewter sculptures, working with clay and printmaking - both serigraphs and etchings. He also loved the many hours spent in his studio and continued with his art throughout the rest of his life. Jim's love for art continues to flow with creativity and humor through the many lives he touched along the way.While attending Arizona State University Jim joined a flying club, earned his pilot license, bought a Cessna 172 & was able to fulfill his love of flying and share it with Maggie and their children. Jim was an active church council member assuming many duties as well as teaching Sunday school in churches wherever he lived. In St. Clairsville, Ohio he designed & built a communal set & baptismal font. This year it was again used for the baptism of the newest great-grandchild. In the 1980s Jim & Maggie took advantage of an opportunity to teach at a teacher training college in Botswana, Africa. After six years Jim was asked to illustrate and co-administrate a literacy program for the entire country. This venture afforded them the opportunity to travel to cities & remote villages working & training teachers & children the concept of the program. They slept in schoolrooms & tents. These trips were like being on safari as they often came across wild animals in their travels between schools. Working with these teachers was the most rewarding & satisfying work of his life. Upon their return to the States Jim went to work for Flexible Furniture in Plainwell as a computer draftsman retiring again in 1998. Jim converted their van into a camper for extensive traveling & spent winters in the southwest & south eventually becoming Florida "snowbirds." Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert, Jerry, Fritz, Junior, Delbert Lamson; sister Joyce Golightly; grandson Isreal Lamson-Yowell; son-in-law Curtis Smith & granddaughter Tristan Smith. He is survived by his wife Margaret, daughters Vicki Lamson (Bryan Khure), Athens, OH; Tamara (Lee) Shepherd, Belmont, OH; Teresa Smith (Robert Johnson), Kalamazoo, MI; son Kyle (Patricia) Lamson, Juneau, AK; grandchildren Jaime & David Shepherd, Ryan Smith, Jennifer, Sarah & Jessie Lamson, 8 great-grandchildren, many nephews & nieces. Cremation has taken place according to his wishes. We will celebrate Jim's life June 17,11:00 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI. Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI June 21 at 10:30 a.m.. Donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or charity of choice.