James R. Lamkin, 75, of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023 at home.  He was born in New Albany, Indiana to the late Hubert and Annabelle Lamkin.  James graduated from Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama.  He graduated from Auburn University in 1970 with a BS in Civil Engineering and served in the United States Army as Specialist E5.   He  served 50 years with Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern Railway, retiring as Assistant Chief Engineer, Construction.  He will be remembered by many friends within the railroad community.  James was a member of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Diane Odom Lamkin; his son, Robert Christopher Lamkin (Anna Hernandez); his daughter, Elizabeth Anne Lamkin; seven grandchildren who lovingly called him Poppy:  Melissa Santamaria, Kristy Santamaria, Isabel Santamaria, Tyler Trestrail, Justin Trestrail, Christian Trestrail and Simone NicoleLamkin, and 3 great grandchildren; a sister, Roberta Creasman; brother, Wayne Lamkin (Sharon Brothers) and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter , Patricia Nicole Lamkin;  brother, John Orville Lamkin (Dorothy Howard); three brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.

The funeral will be held in a private family gathering at graveside at Crestwood Cemetery, Gadsden, Alabama on Saturday, July 8th.  James will be laid to rest beside his precious baby, Patricia Nicole.