A Celebration of the Life of James Otis Lampkin, 52, of Washington was held Monday, December 21, 2020 at the Washington Warrior Event Center. Interment was at the Washington Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mr. Lampkin passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 following a courageous battle from complications with COVID-19.
James was born April 7, 1968 in Hobbs, New Mexico, the fifth of six children born to Paul and Nell (Billy) Lampkin. He was raised in the Davis and Wynnewood area, graduating with the Savage Class of 1986. While in school, James excelled in any sport he chose to play. He was a fierce competitor, a true leader and a proud member of championship teams.
By age 16, James had met the love of his life, a young lady named Amie Butler. And though they were young, they both knew they had found the one. A young father, James worked hard, balancing school and working full time to support his young family. They first welcomed son Tylor, then son Kale, and finally a daughter, Dagan.
James finished school, graduating with both a Bachelors, and a Masters Degree in Education. His first coaching/teaching stop was in Dickson. He then coached at Plainview for a time, before moving back home to Wynnewood in 1999. In 2004, he began working for the Chickasaw Nation in youth services. He was both a manager, and then the director of the wellness center, until becoming sick and retiring.
It wasn’t long until James found himself on the golf and cross-country course and in the classroom, when an opening at Washington came knocking. James started coaching golf and teaching elementary P.E. for the Warriors, and later the Cross-Country Teams and Golf Teams for both Jr. High and High School girls’ and boys’ teams. Sports played such a meaningful role in James’ life, and he was able to share many of the life lessons he learned with his student athletes, including his own children.
He was an avid OU Sooners fan, and had a knack for finding little hole-in-the-wall diners on road trips. He was a wonderful cook, and will be forever remembered for his legendary breakfast. James was a man of great faith. He cherished his family and lived for his students. He was incredibly proud of his Chickasaw Heritage, and even to the time he entered Heaven, he remained “unconquered and unconquerable.” Rest well Coach!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nell Lampkin; brother, Jerry Lampkin; and sisters, Ardena and Cindy Lampkin.
James is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Amie Lampkin of the home; sons, Tylor Lampkin and wife, Alyssa, of Davis, and Kale Lampkin and wife, Mika, of Ada; daughter, Dagan Lampkin and Tanner Wilcox of Cache; brother, Cotus Lampkin and wife, Charl, of Davis; sister, Paula Knighten of Sulphur; six grandchildren, Teagan, Rigby, Ripkyn, Kane, Daisy and Lilli; several nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.
