James W. (Bill) Lamb, 80 years old, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024 from a valiant battle with cancer, in the shadow of Blodgett mountain at his home on the west side of Hamilton, Montana. Known as a kind gentleman with a soft southern drawl, Bill never met a stranger and had many friends wherever he lived. He often greeted someone with “Hey, buddy, how y’all doin’?”
Born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 7, 1943, to Jimmy and Ruby Lamb, he lived in the south until he was able to follow his dreams of living in Montana. Even as a small young boy he was always a cowboy and westerner at heart.
With Judy, his wife, by his side, they moved to Montana in 1987 and did some outfitting in the Selway for a bit with Wilderness Outfitters on the westside of Victor. Bill embraced the plumbing trade which he learned from his father. After further education and work experiences he attained an associate degree and a master’s plumbing license. Upon moving to Montana, he worked for several companies estimating plumbing and heating jobs in the Missoula and Bitterroot valley area until retirement. He was a people person so working with people fit him just fine.
He was always able to have a little land around him where he lived so he did some irrigating and haying as he often gazed at the mountains. Animals were his second-best friend, having dogs Hoss and Belle and his horses around to enjoy and care for.
Bill enjoyed all the treasures a Montana lifestyle offers and always found time for a fishing or hunting trip, packing up the camper, hiking when he and Judy could, floating the river and exploring the mountains on a backcountry road trip.
JW (Bill) is survived by his wife Judy of 36 years, his three sons Mike, David and Chuck, step-children Virginia and Jason, sisters Susie and Sherry, grandchildren and many friends he treasured so much.
Funeral arrangements have been handled by Daly-Leach Funeral Home in Hamilton; no service is planned.