James Lapham, Jr

JAMES P. LAPHAM, JR. TAMPA, FL -- James P. (Jim) Lapham, Jr., 47, died Sunday, April 15th, 2007, at the James A. Haley Veteran’s hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born November 12, 1959, in Alliance, Ohio to James Lapham, Sr., and Valerie (Prince) Lapham. Jim grew up in Alliance and was an officer in both the Navy and the Marines. He received many medals of recognition during his service. Jim later worked for Raytheon Services Nevada and Kalama Services on Johnston Atoll and retired from the Department of Homeland Security as a Transportation Security Officer. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and liked golfing, fishing, and dreamed of cooking exotic meals. He was a member of the American Legion. Jim is survived by his wife Pamela Fording, sons Donald Lapham and Andrew Lapham, step-daughter Anya Schuette all of the home in Orlando, Florida; step-son William Mahon, VII of St. Augustine, Florida; step-son Nicholas (Michelle) Mahon and granddaughter, Isabel, of Orlando, Florida; sister, Lori (Dan) Emery of Coppell, Texas; sister, Lindy (Barry Collins) Eckert of Alto, Georgia; sister, Ruth (David) Krantz of Dixon, Missouri; maternal aunt, Andrea Prince of Jerome, Arizona; nieces and nephews; and many more family relatives and friends near and dear to him. He is preceded in death by his mother Valerie McKnight; his father James Lapham, Sr.; and grandparents, both maternal and paternal. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 21, 2007, at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home, Sebring, Ohio, with Pastor Herbert S. Garnes III officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 2 to 9 p.m. with the family present from 7 to 9 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park following the service. An account for memorial contributions for his children has been established at The Navy Federal Credit Union-Winter Park, 443 South Semoran Blvd., Winter Park, Florida 32792. (Checks payable to The Navy Federal Credit Union-Winter Park, c/o The Lapham Children.) Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home, Sebring, Ohio. Friends may send their condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com.

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