Remembering Pecan Grower Jim Lampman

Jimmy E. Lampman, 74, of De Leon, passed peacefully from this life and entered a perfect eternity on Dec. 26, 2020. He was born Nov. 13, 1946, in Cleburne, Texas, to Lawrence Henry Lampman and Glenna Faye Jackson Lampman.

Jim grew up and attended school in Alvarado, Texas, graduating with the class of 1965. During his high school years, Jim persuaded his future wife, Teresa, to let him take her on a date. That was the last first date for the two who enjoyed a loving and fun marriage of over fifty years. Jim and Teresa worked hard hand-in-hand to raise a family, build a successful business, and piece together a beautiful life.

When they first moved to Comanche County in 1971, times were hard, and Jim and Teresa took a chance at starting their pecan venture in Downing, Texas, just hoping to earn some extra income to help raise a young family. A few years later, Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit took the lead, and he decided they would jump all in and make pecan harvesting their full-time occupation.

Forty years later, Lampman Pecan Company is busier than ever, and Jim’s years of hard work have left a legacy. Jim and Teresa had started Jim’s “Retirement Plan,” the pecan shelling plant, in 2007. Jim was so excited about this new venture. Lampman Pecan won De Leon Business of the Year in 2019 and De Leon Farm Family of the Year in 2005. Both awards Jim was so honored to receive.

His work and work travels blessed him with friendships all over the country. Jim, never one to meet a stranger, could walk into a room knowing no one and leave with ten new best friends. He was a magnet for children; he loved them, and they loved him! Jim had a special way of making everyone he met feel special. So many will always remember how Jim made them feel important and loved.

Jim and Teresa are longtime members of De Leon First United Methodist Church. Jim’s faith in God carried him through hard times, and Jim was always faithful to give thanks during the good times. He built a life around trusting God’s guidance and treating others with kindness.

One of Jim’s absolute favorite things in life was food. He loved to eat, especially in the company of good friends and family. In his spare time, he loved being outdoors, fishing for crappie, and being with his family. Jim was always lighthearted, engaging, sincere, and energetic. He was kind, devoted, loyal, and determined. Jim was a devoted husband to Teresa, a selfless father, and a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Jim will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, his work family, and the community.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; sons, Lance Lampman and wife, Kimberly, Kevin Lampman, and Yang Wu; brother, Eddie Lampman and wife, Sherry; sister, Beth McFarland; grandchildren, Eric Lampman and wife, Brooke, Cody Lampman, and Lynli Lampman; and great-grandson, McLane Lampman; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Henry Lampman and Glenna Faye Jackson Lampman; sons, Lane and Keith; parents-in-law, Charles W. Head and Mary Katharine; brother-in-law, Mike McFarland.

Funeral services celebrating Jim’s life were held Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church. Serving as pallbearers were Adam Moreno, Jared Weisser, Neil Singleton, Randy Lancaster, Malcolm Hanson, and Andrew Garza. Honorary pallbearers are Alfred Roitsch and Donald Alderman.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Stephenville Foster’s Home for Children, in honor of Jim Lampman.

If you would like to memorialize your loved one, who recently passed and was a member of the pecan industry in Pecan South, please contact our office.