James 'Jim' Lancaster

James Thomas Lancaster, son of Ola Mae (Smith) and the late James Monroe Lancaster, was born on September 24, 1951, in Pampa, Texas, and departed this life on July 3, 2016, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was 64 years, 9 months, and 9 days of age.
Jim grew up in the panhandle of Texas, graduating from Perryton High School in 1971. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Judy Atkinson, on May 25, 1973, in Norwood, Missouri. Two children were born to this union: James Jay and Laura Mae.
Jim went on to college at Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, graduating in both diesel and automotive mechanics. After graduating, Jim and Judy moved to Lubbock, Texas. There he worked for Yellow House Machinery for 2 years, before moving to Springfield, Missouri.
Jim worked as a mechanic for City Utilities of Springfield for more than 30 years. After retiring from City Utilities, Jim worked at various jobs as long as his health permitted. Jim never met a stranger and made many friends over the years.
Jim enjoyed going camping with his family at Treasure Lake. He loved to go fishing, wading, and diving. Jim fished and waded Whetstone Creek at the Sliding Rock and Blue Hole. Jim and his friend, Charley, dived Table Rock Lake and Swan Creek. They helped teach a diving class that went to Key West, Florida, for certification.
One of the highlights of Jims life was fishing with his grandson, Brody. On September 15, 2009, Jim met Brody for the first time. There are no words to express the love and excitement of Brodys birth. Jim really enjoyed spending time with Brody. Jim enjoyed doing activities with his children. Taking Jay to soccer games, and teaching Laura Mae how to swim, were just a couple of the things he liked to do.
Jim was a big motorcycle rider. He had a 1978 Harley Sportster and a Harley Low Rider. He rode the sportster most of the time, making many trips to Texas for school reunions and to visit relatives. He was always up for a ride with his many friends. He liked going to swap meets in Oklahoma and doing rides for charity. Jim and Judy loved riding together.
Jim had always dreamed of owning a corvette, and last fall he was able to acquire one. He really enjoyed cruising around in his Vett listening to CCR and all of the oldies of that time frame. It was debatable which he liked more, the Harley or the Corvette.
Jim was saved at a young age in Perryton, Texas. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jim was preceded in death by his father: James Monroe Lancaster; and his in-laws: Echo and Laura Atkinson.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judy Lancaster; his son: James Ellis Lancaster of Norwood, Missouri, and his fianc, Chrystal Atwell, of West Plains, Missouri; his grandson: Brody Monroe Lancaster; his daughter: Laura Mae Lancaster and her fianc, Michael Wells, of Springfield, Missouri; his mother: Ola Mae Lancaster of Mountain Grove, Missouri; his sister: Cheryl Kathy Alcina and her husband, Mark, of Morgan City, Louisiana; his nephew: Dustin Walker and his wife, Rae, of Gray, Louisiana; two aunts; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.


Visitation: Thursday, July 7, 2016, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Funeral Services: Friday, July 8, 2016, at 2:00 PM at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Burial: Hillcrest Cemetery