James E. “Jimmy” Lambden, of Seaford, took his final checkered flag on Friday, May 15, 2026, surrounded by the family and caregivers who loved him fiercely. Born Jan. 23, 1936, Jimmy entered this world as the firstborn son and never strayed far from the family farm he loved so deeply — in fact, he spent his entire life there, right up until the very end. And if you knew Jimmy, you know there was no other place he would’ve wanted to be.
Jimmy was many things in his 90 years: father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, businessman, racer, custodian, bus driver, mentor, mechanic, fireman, storyteller, and unofficial mayor of Seaford. But more than anything, Jimmy was a people person. He never met a stranger — only friends he hadn’t hugged and kissed yet. If you crossed paths with him, chances are you got a handshake, a bear hug, a kiss on the cheek, and probably a story before you could even introduce yourself.
Though small in stature, Jimmy’s personality filled every room, parking lot, racetrack, church pew, school hallway, grocery store and gas station he ever entered. He had the kind of presence people remember forever — loud laughter, quick wit, endless energy, and a smile that made people feel instantly at home. His home, in fact, became exactly that for many people and more than a few stray animals, all of whom were welcomed and treated like family.
Jimmy proudly served in the Blades Volunteer Fire Company and the National Reserves in his younger years, but his love for speed and competition truly came alive on the racetrack. Whether he was racing stock cars at Delmar and Georgetown or hurrying through everyday life like the green flag had just dropped, Jimmy moved fast and lived fully. Anyone who rode with him — or tried to beat him back to the school on a bus trip — knew Jimmy had one speed: wide open.
Midway through life, Jimmy owned the BP Gas Station on Stein Highway and Middleford Speedway, but one of his greatest legacies was the business he built alongside the love of his life, Beverly. Together they owned Lambden Bus Service for 60 years, transporting generations of students, athletes, and community members with Jimmy proudly behind the wheel or leading the way. He later retired from the Seaford School District as Chief Custodian at West Seaford Elementary School, where he impacted countless students with his kindness, humor, and larger-than-life spirit for over 30 years.
Jimmy loved his church, his family, racing, his community, Delmar athletics, Laurel athletics, Seaford athletics, and especially his New York Yankees. He cheered on student athletes like they were his own grandchildren and took enormous pride in supporting the young people in his community. Jimmy believed in showing up, working hard, helping others, and doing every job with excellence. If someone needed help, Jimmy was there — no questions asked and no thought given to what it might cost him.
He was competitive, determined, and always in a hurry, but somehow he always had time for people. That was Jimmy’s magic.
His family finds comfort knowing Heaven gained not only a faithful servant, but probably its loudest greeter.
Services will be held Friday, June 5 at Bethel Worship Center. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m., with the memorial service immediately following.
In true Jimmy fashion, if you arrive late, he’ll probably still beat you there.
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.