James Matthew Lang

James Matthew Lang died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at his home at White Mountain Lake in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona. He was 71 years old. Jimmy, as he was affectionately known, was born on June 11, 1942 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York to his parents, the late Matthew Bernard and Clara (Miller) Lang. Jimmy was a 1960 graduate of Williamsfield High School in New York. On November 11, 1961, Jimmy married Elaine Margaret Pomerhn in Buffalo, New York. The couple, most recently, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary together and missed their 52nd by only 2 months. Jimmy was blessed with a true entrepreneurial spirit and owned a couple of his own businesses through the years. At the age of 21, Jimmy took ownership of his first business which was a service station and towing company in Buffalo. After a few years, Jimmy sold his station and then went to work as an auto body repairman in Buffalo for 5 years. In 1971, the Langs picked up their growing family and moved west, making their home in Arizona. While living in Tucson, Jimmy began working for Kord's Ambulance as a mechanic and was also able to use his auto body repairman's skills. He was a hard working man and extremely capable of fixing just about anything placed in front of him. Also, while in Tucson, Jimmy was part owner of State Ambulance Builders and even worked for Western Tire, as well. Jimmy will not only will be remembered for his mechanic skills but also, for his honesty, integrity and good humor. He was a true "people person" and never met a stranger. Jimmy moved to White Mountain Lake in 2002, after vacationing to the area for 30 years. He loved living in White Mountains and always appreciated the beauty of his surroundings. He loved to go fishing at White Mountain Lake and also enjoyed kayaking. Ever young at heart, Jimmy got a kick out of teasing his grandkids. Jimmy also enjoyed playing Rummy with his wife, "Laine" and granddaughters, Jamie and Margarite. Jimmy was also the kind of neighbor that everyone would like to have. He was always looking for ways he could help out others in his neighborhood. He will be missed greatly during the winter months, when the snow falls, because Jimmy always went out of his way to plow his neighbors' driveways as well as the roadways in his neighborhood atop his tractor. Jimmy loved playing with his dogs in the yard whenever he'd tinker with his tractor. At night they loved to undwind by sitting on his lap. Jimmy was one who spent his life caring for others' needs. He had a strong and deep abiding faith in the Lord and truly believed that when he was in the service of his fellow man, he was only in the service of his God. He was a member of White Mountain Lake's Community Baptist Church and enjoyed relaxing by reading his Bible. This gentle man will be missed, not only by his family but, by anyone whom has ever had the privilege to call him "friend", especially his good friend since 1973, Bill & Ann Petersen. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Elaine M. Lang of Show Low, Arizona; 3 children: Mandy Lea (Jose "Sam") Saumat, Laura Merry of California, Bradley Lang of Tucson; 6 grandchildren: Jamie Huffman, Margarite Lang, Austin Lang, Matthew Lang, Jake Merry, Bradley Merry; 2 brothers-in-law: Bobby Pomerhn, Frank Pomerhn; 3 nieces; 3 nephews and by another son-in-law, Jerry Huffman of Tucson, Arizona. Along with his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by a brother, John Lang and by a sister, Noel Ludeke. A special sabbath day memorial service for Jimmy will begin at 2:00 P.M., on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at the Community Baptist Church, 8320 Lone Pine Drive in Show Low (White Mountain Lake), Arizona where Pastor Bob Gallegos will officiate. Memorial contributions, in his name, to Community Baptist Church: P.O. Box 91019, White Mountain Lake, Arizona 85912 or to Pet Allies: 4050 S. White Mountain Road, Show Low, Arizona 85901 have been suggested by his family.