Jim Lancaster

“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my rock forever.” Psalm 73:26

James Carman “Jim” Lancaster was born on October 7, 1935 in Moss Bluff, LA, and grew up in Lake Charles, LA, later returning to Moss Bluff.  Jim was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.  He died a peaceful death at home after a long battle with a blood disorder known as MDS, and other medical issues.

Jim served his country in the US Army and was honorably discharged after 3 years.  He was a member of the W.B. Williamson American Legion Post #1, the Masonic Lodge Calcasieu 400, Scottish Rite, and Habibi Temple.  He loved serving the Lord.  He served as deacon and other ministries at Sale Street Baptist Church before moving to Moss Bluff.  After moving, he also served as a deacon at First Baptist Church Moss Bluff and numerous other ministries.  He was a friend of Bill W. for over 42 years.

Jim worked many jobs at local plants and construction during his younger years.  In 1997, he retired from the Calcasieu Parish Tax Assessor’s Office after 18 years of service.

Jim enjoyed many years of various activities with his beloved wife of 62 years, Ruby.  As he would tell his story, the Lord has opened and closed many doors in his lifetime.  There were the motorcycle days.  He and Ruby served as Area Representatives for Chapter “J” Gold Wing Road Riders.  He loved  his adventures of the motorcycle ride with the love of his life Ruby sitting behind him on the cycle.  They made many trips to many states on the cycle to the Badlands of S. Dakota to Wyoming to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.  They later purchased a motorhome and he and Ruby traveled from Alaska to the Florida Keys, throughout the lower forty-eight states and Canada.  They also spent wonderful months of square-dancing with the Swinging Rebels, their home group, and in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout other states.  Many days were extremely enjoyable during their travels doing building jobs with Habitat for Humanity, alongside other members of Family Motorcoach Association. 

Jim was born to James O. Richard and wife Mabel White Richard.  After Mabel’s death, when  Jim was about 6 months old, his mother’s sister, Thelma White Lancaster and husband William B. Lancaster, adopted Jim and raised him as their son.  He always referred to them as Momma and Daddy his whole life.  Also deceased are Jim’s half brother, Greg Richard and his half-sister, Joyce Richard Wicklander.  Those left to cherish Jim’s memory are wife, Ruby; sister, Dottie Lancaster Harrington; numerous nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews; cousins; and dear close friends. 

We give special thanks to Dr. Brian Clements and nurse, Enola and Dr. Michael Bergeron and nurse, Mary Ann.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff.  Pastor Roy Chapin and Pastor Bill Saxby will officiate.  Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin on Saturday at the church at 9:00 AM until the start of the service.

Pallbearers will be:  Dr. Steve Latiolais, Rev. EJ McCann, Ray Bowman, Aaron Andrepont, Tom Snyder, and Dave Parker.  Honorary Pallbearer, Earl McManus.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church, 276 Old Hwy. 171, Moss Bluff, LA 70611.