Obituary of James "Jim" Lambrecht

James “Jim” Lambrecht, of Davenport, FL departed this world on August 22, 2023 while surrounded by the warmth and love of his family in the comfort of his residence. He was 91. Jim was born July 8, 1932 in Gary, Indiana to Clarence Lambrecht and Josephine Saunders. He grew up with his older sister, Joan Daniels, with whom he had a loving relationship until her passing at 93.

He graduated High School in Santa Rosa, California and then served in the U.S. Army 1951-1953. After his service, he attended U.C. Berkeley before moving to New York City to start his career in typography, printing and graphic design. He founded Lambrecht Typography in Manhattan, typesetting quarterly reports for some of the nation’s top companies, as well as magazines such as Scientific American. He remained in the industry for more than 40 years, finishing his career at Shearman and Sterling prior to his retirement in 2007.

He married Monica Wagner in 1966 and had two sons, Thomas Lambrecht (b. 1967) and Greg Lambrecht (b. 1969). He had a third son Eric Killer (b. 1978) with his spouse, Véronique Killer.

He met Gladys Paz in a chance encounter while changing a lightbulb in the apartment complex where they both lived in New Jersey. James and Gladys married in 1987. They raised two sons, Nelson Lambrecht (b. 1977) and José Beltran (b. 1982). They lived a life of exceptional love and affection for each other every moment of their 36-year marriage until Jim’s passing.

Jim was a fierce defender of civil and economic justice throughout his long life. He was influenced by his childhood in the Great Depression to fight for worker’s rights in an age of increasing wealth concentration. He fought for peace during the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries. He battled for civil and women’s rights in the 1960’s and beyond. He had an unshakable belief in the potential for a better society where all were treated equally, and health and prosperity were secured for everyone.

Jim was deeply intellectual and read fervently about history and politics, topics which filled his conversations and correspondence with family and friends. His favorite gift to receive was always a book. He also enjoyed writing, completing a play about the life of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose passion he admired greatly.

He was a loving and affectionate husband, father, and friend who was quick to laugh, faster to joke, and kind to his core. He cared for and played with numerous pets, loving long walks with his final friend, Poochie. His endearing personality, characterized by positivity, humor, and sweetness, drew people to him effortlessly. His deep affection for children made him beloved by all, creating a lasting impact that will echo through generations.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister. Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Gladys Lambrecht; children, Thomas Lambrecht and wife, Stephanie of Anaheim, CA, Greg Lambrecht and spouse, Jennifer of Boston, MA, Eric Killer and wife, Faisen of Long Island, NY, Jose Beltran and wife, Jamie of Clifton, NJ, and Nelson Lambrecht of Pennsylvania; a half sister, Susan Lambrecht; and eleven grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 for family at 9:00 am, for friends at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am, all at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 1001 E Grace Ave, Haines City, FL 33844. A celebration of life will be held following the service at the Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Blvd. W, Davenport, FL 33837.