James Hilton Lambert, 83 of Mt. Vernon, died Monday, September 21, 2026 at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington following a short illness. He was born at Berea College Hospital on November 3, 1942 to the late James W. and Ruth Hilton Lambert, who resided in Rockcastle County.
A 1960 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, he attended Sue Bennett College, and then transferred to Eastern Kentucky University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English. He then taught school for a few years at Livingston High School and later enrolled in Chase Law School, graduating in 1976 with a Juris Doctor degree in Law. At that point, he joined his father, James W., and his brother Joe in their family practice, Lambert and Lambert Law Offices. He later ran for Rockcastle County Attorney and held the office for 12 years.
In 1984, he married the former Brenda Holt, and the two became a team for the campaigns for the Kentucky Court of Appeals. He assumed that appointment in 2007 and held it until January 31, 2026, when he resigned due to health issues.
During those 19 years, he made some friends who he dearly loved; especially Larry Thompson, Chief Justice for the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and Sara Combs, a justice for the Kentucky Court of Appeals. Chief Justice Thompson will be the speaker at his funeral.
Jim’s Christian faith has sustained him during his low moments and he looked forward to seeing the brilliance of heaven.
He leaves behind his devoted wife, Brenda Lambert and his beloved daughter Lora and her child Grace Lambert as well as a stepson, Sean Gentry and his child Sahara. Also, he loved his brother Joe Lambert and his sons, Joseph and John, and his brothers-in-law: Ken Holt, Wendell Holt, and the late Winston, along with their children: Kevin, Neureul, William, Adam, Ashlie, Michael, Jennifer, and Tyler, as well as other extended family: Janet Holt, Lisa, Kenny, and Tony and their families. He was especially close to his first cousins Nell Doris, Rose Sharon and their families.
Funeral services for Mr. Lambert will be conducted Saturday, September 26 at 3:00 p.m. at the Dowell & Martin Funeral Home Chapel. The Honorable Chief Justice Larry Thompson will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Public visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. Saturday until time for services.
His pallbearers will be Sean Gentry, Joseph Lambert, John Lambert, Josh Levine, Michael Holt, and Tyler Holt.
The family is establishing the James H. Lambert Memorial Scholarship Fund for a deserving senior at Rockcastle County High School. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to this fund. Please make check payable to Rockcastle County Schools, James H. Lambert Memorial Scholarship at 245 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY 40456.
Please visit www.dowellmartin.com or Dowell & Martin Funeral Home’s Facebook page to view Mr. Lambert’s online obituary.
