James Blaine Lampkins

James B Lampkins,100 years and 9 months of Baker City, OR passed away at his home at Meadowbrook Place on March 16, 2023 with his daughter Linda at his side. Jim was born in Paradise, Oregon to Ellen and Buell Lampkins on June 14, 1922. Jim attended schools at Day Ridge and Flora and High School in Enterprise where he graduated in 1940.

He enlisted in the service the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed and served 3 years in the Navy aboard the USS Bradford in the South Pacific arena. During his service time he was awarded a Navy Silver Star and two Navy Bronze Stars. During a brief leave, he married the love of his life, Virginia Gake, on September 11, 1944, returning to duty 2 days later.

 After his Honorable Discharge, he returned to Enterprise and continued with his banking career which he had begun prior to enlistment. He began as a teller at the Enterprise Branch of First National Bank and retired 42 years later, after many advancements, as a Senior Vice President with First Interstate Bank. Upon his retirement he returned to Wallowa County and renovated an old one room schoolhouse on Dayridge Road. That location is still the favorite gathering place of his family.

He is survived by daughter Linda Noble (Dave) of Baker City, Oregon, daughter-in-law Krista Lampkins of Haines, Alaska and sister Verna Schmittle. 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Darrell and Edwin Lampkins. His wife of seventy years, Virginia, son Larry Lampkins and grandson Gary Noble.

There will be a Graveside Service with Military Honors on June 14th, 2023 at the Enterprise Cemetery in Enterprise, Oregon at 1:00 PM.  

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