James Lamon

James Thomas Lamon of Birmingham, business owner of James Lamon Automatic Transmission, Inc. in Ensley, died on May 16 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife, Mildred, the love of his life. They were married for 63 years. He is also survived by daughters Linda Lamon Gooldrup, (Michael) and granddaughter, Lisa Gooldrup Costanzo (Matthew) and great-granddaughter, Julia Linden Costanzo, and by Jeanette Ballard Cheramie and grandchildren, Cheryll, Lynn, and Chris Cheramie, and great-grandson, Quinntin Cheramie. Beginning in 1941, Mr. Lamon served our country during World War II in the South Pacific, New Guinea, Philippines, and Japan. He was discharged as a Sergeant in 1945. He began his automotive career with Don Drennen's in Ensley in 1946. Shortly after, he volunteered to go to Cadillac Automatic Transmission School. In 1948, he went to transmission school for Buick and in 1950, for Chevrolet. In 1973, he opened his own business in Ensley known as James Lamon Automatic Transmission, Inc. His business was immediately successful as the clientele he had built over the years remained with him. He loved his work and built his reputation on honesty, fairness, and his strong work ethic and good character. If he could send someone on their way with just a minor adjustment without charging them, he was happy to do so. He retired in 1999 at the age of 79 and continued to go to his business one or two days a week. He was always eager to help those less fortunate. When the Birmingham News printed an article about a woman who found a job but could not drive to work because her transmission needed repair, Mr. Lamon called the Welfare Department, sent a wrecker to pick up her car, and fixed it for her free of charge. This is only one example of a lifetime of kindness and integrity. He also enjoyed repairing antique car transmissions and continued to do so after retirement. He and his wife, Mildred, owned a 1932 Chevrolet and went to many antique car shows over the Southeast. He enjoyed woodworking and made furniture for their home as well as making many gifts for his friends and family. As always, it thrilled him to do something for others. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. He made a difference in the lives of so many. His legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Friday, May 20, 2011, from 10-12 at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home. A Graveside service to begin at 12:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.