Obituary of James A. Lomax

North Creek: James A. Lomax, 82, of Fairview Ave., passed away, Monday, October 9, 2006 at the Glens Falls Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born February 4, 1924 in Worcester, MA, the third son of the late Arthur and Ruth (Nelson) Lomax. Jim attended grammar school and high school at Valley Stream, Long Island. His admiration for his maternal uncle, Navy Chief Petty Officer Ruben James Nelson led Jim to enlist in the US Navy, two days after his 17th birthday. Following boot camp at Newport, RI, he was aboard a destroyer in route to Iceland to join his vessel for permanent duty, he participated in the rescue of 21 survivors of another destroyer, which ironically bore the same name as his uncle, The Ruben James. This was the first US Naval vessel sunk during WW II by a German U-boat on Oct. 31, 1941, two months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7. Jim served a total of eleven years in the Navy during WW II including the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Invasion of Normandy and the Korean War receiving many medals and commendations. He married Dorothy J. Ashe on Oct. 17, 1948 in North Creek. Jim began his working years with A&B Oil Co., before owning and operating his own plumbing and heating business and then operating the local Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in North Creek. He spent 20 years as the Building and Maintenance Superintendent at the Adirondack Tri-County Health Care Center while working as the Johnsburg Town Water Commissioner before retiring. He was a past president of the North Creek Rotary Club, a member of the North Creek American Legion Post 629 for 45 years, North Creek Vol. Fire Co., North Creek Pilot’s Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association. His favorite pastimes include flying, golfing and hunting. Besides his parents, his two brothers, Sanford and Gordon and his son in law, Richard Armstrong have all predeceased him. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Dottie Lomax of North Creek; his daughter, Glenda Johnson and her husband, Michael of Queensbury; his son, James J. Lomax and his wife, Candace of North Creek; brother, Norman Lomax of Warrensburg; grandchildren, Christine Waters, Travis Armstrong, Becky Collignon and Jamie Lomax; great grandchildren, Autumn, Hudson Aden and Abner; several nieces, nephews and cousins and his faithful dog, Nibbles. Friends may call on Jim’s family from 5-7 pm Thursday at the Alexander Funeral Home, Inc, 4479 State Rt. 28, North River. Services will begin with members of the North Creek American Legion at 7 pm Thursday evening followed by his grandson, Pastor Travis Armstrong conducting the memorial service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 10 am Friday in the Union Cemetery, North Creek. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to a fund for his great great niece, who has a life threatening illness, Dakota Rayne Clancy Family Fund, c/o, Debbie Edwards, 1346 Dexter Drive, East Orange, FL 32129. Her website is www.dakotaclancy.com. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.