James M. Lamme Iii

James McGrew Lamme III, 74, of Egremont, died from cancer February 18 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. An attorney, Jim had practiced law in Great Barrington since 1974 and was active in the local community. He served on several boards and held numerous elected positions over a 46-year time span.

Born in Los Angeles on September 5, 1946, Jim was the son of the late James M. Lamme Jr., a physician, and the late Patricia Lord Lamme. He grew up in Walsenburg, Colorado and attended local schools there before enrolling at Harvard College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in social relations, graduating with honors in 1968. Jim was drafted shortly after graduation and served two years in the U.S. Army stationed in both the United States and Germany. After leaving the service, Jim attended the University of Colorado Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1974.

Jim married his wife, Wendy T. Linscott, of Richmond, at Wheatleigh in Lenox, on May 30, 1971. Her father is the late Roger Linscott, a long-time editorial page editor of The Berkshire Eagle. Jim and Wendy lived in Boulder, Colorado while Jim attended law school, but decided to move to Massachusetts following his graduation. They originally planned to settle in Boston, but while staying with his wife's parents, Jim decided to look for work in the Berkshires. He joined the Massachusetts Bar in 1974 and went into practice with Attorney Robert J.Donelan. When Donelan became a judge in 1976, Jim opened his private law practice in Great Barrington. The firm became Lamme & Linscott when Wendy joined in 1980. It has been located at 22 Elm St. in Great Barrington since the mid-1970s. Jim loved country life and thoroughly enjoyed practicing law in a small town, although he always felt a little homesick for the mountains and brilliant blue skies of Colorado.

In the community, Jim served as town moderator for a total of 29 years for the towns of New Marlborough (1976-1986) and Egremont (1975-1976 and 1987-2004), as a member of Egremont's Zoning Board of Appeals, and as legal counsel for The Southern Berkshire Regional School District from 1989-1997. He also served on several nonprofit boards including Children's Health Program, The Lenox Club, The Eagle Fund, Barrington Stage Company and Railroad Street Youth Project. He served as a volunteer tutor with the Literacy Network of South Berkshire in Lee and was an alumni interviewer for Harvard College.

Jim was known everywhere by his bow tie — he wore one every day of his professional life. An avid golfer, Jim was a long time member of Wyantenuck Country Club in Great Barrington. He had an irrepressible sense of humor and never took himself, or anyone else, too seriously. It will surprise no one who knew him that his favorite holiday was April Fool’s Day. He loved spontaneous gatherings, cooking, and the Rolling Stones, but his first love was his unrestored,  1974 orange Jeep, and he was notorious for driving it on the back roads of South County up until the end of his life.

Jim is survived by his wife, his daughter, Taylor Linscott Lamme, who lives in San Francisco, a sister, Jennifer Mandelson of Denver, and seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Judith Cochrane and Jane Ackerman.

Because of the current restrictions of COVID-19, there will not be a service at this time, but the family plans to hold a celebration of Jim's life in the fall, which was his favorite season. Donations in Jim's name can be made to the Literacy Network of South Berkshire or to The People's Pantry of Great Barrington in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

Wendy and Taylor would like to thank the staff at Berkshire Medical Center for the excellent care provided Jim.