James Mervin Lamphear, 97, of Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing in Greenhurst, NY, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Heritage Green.

An area resident all his life, he was born on June 23, 1927, in Jamestown, NY, the son of the late Mervin Harry and Beatrice Marie Anderson Lamphear.

James graduated from Bemus Point High School in Bemus Point, NY, the Class of 1946.

James made his home in Panama, NY with his wife, Nancy J. Eggleston Lamphear enjoying many years of country living.

Before his retirement he was a welder for Dahlstroms Mfg. in Jamestown, NY where he worked for approximately 45 years. He also worked for Elementary schools in Bemus Point, NY and Fluvanna, NY as a custodian.

James loved golfing with his buddies, cross country skiing with his wife, Nancy and two stepsons, Jim and Pat Bell, dancing, swimming, hiking, bowling on a league, and was very good at roller skating in his younger years. As far as hunting, a camera was his equipment of choice.

He was a member of the Ingjald Lodge 65 Independent Order of the Vikings.

Surviving is his wife, Nancy Eggleston Lamphear of Heritage Green in Greenhurst, NY, two stepsons, James (Karen) Bell of Chesterfield, VA, and Patrick Bell of Erie, PA, a sister, Dixie (Dave) Lamphear Button, of Granite Falls, NC, two daughters, Susan (Brian) Lamphear Best, of Westfield, NY, and Wendy (Dave) Lamphear Gyrylo, of Panama, NY. Eight grandchildren: Michael (Nina) Przepiora of Sherman, NY, James (Holly) Przepiora of Oxford, MI, Mike (Laura) Watson of Sinclairville, NY, Justin (Kristy) Watson of Warren, PA, Heather Lepley of Jamestown, NY, Jonathan (Erin) Bell of Hyattsville, MD, Emily (Ben) Meyer of Chesterfield, VA and Katie Bell of Chesterfield, VA. Thirteen great grandchildren, Joseph, Dylan, Brandon, Taylor, Alex, Ashley, Garrett, Jack, Tommy, Halle, Kato, Max and Ansel, and three great-great grandchildren, Riley, Ivory Mae and Rosamae.

Besides his parents James was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Richard Harry Lamphear.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Heritage Green Rehab and Skilled Nursing in Greenhurst, NY. James Bell, Chief Program Officer for International Ministries, will officiate the Service.

Memorials may be made to Pick of The Litter, 1805 E Elmwood Ave, Falconer, NY 14733.