James Lake, 81, of Canton, Georgia passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2025. Born on October 10, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio to Winnett and Marie Lake. James was raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa and moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1956. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1963. In high school, James participated in basketball, football and track and field. He still holds the record in Pinellas County, Florida for shot put distance. After graduating high school, James trained as a Machinist, a career choice that he proudly worked for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 74.

James married Susan Busefink on February 13, 1965. James and Susan remained married until her passing in 2012. They had 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. James was an avid bowler, loved weekend trips, visiting family and friends and enjoyed gardening and landscaping. He was a proud FreeMason for over 40 years, being loyal to his Lodge #127 in Clearwater, Florida. James was raised to Emeritus status only months prior to his death. James' greatest joy in his life was spending quality time with his friends and family. He was a Florida State fan as well as the University of Oklahoma. He enjoyed watching his beloved Braves baseball team and cheered on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

James was preceded in death by his parents, wife Susan, 2 brothers (William and David) and 2 sisters (Katherine and Nadine). James is survived by 2 brothers (Edward and Thomas), his daughters Rebecca (John Sipes), Kimberly and Allison. James was the proud grandfather to Gregori Lewis (Dora), Alexander Lewis (Victoria), Seth Evans (Kevin), Alexis Shaw (Michael), Jarrett Sipes (Grace) and Matthew Sipes (Megan).  He was also the proud great-grandfather to his 7 great grandchildren; Mason, Raelynn, Colter, Eleanor, Maxwell, Lucile and Holland. All that knew James would describe him as a great man of strength, honor, dignity and integrity. "Jimbo" will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him.

James requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Restoration Farm in Ball Ground, GA. Restoration Farm sponsored James and his family of caregivers in his final months of life and he was very grateful for their faith-based support. You can donate by visiting them at www.restorationfarm-tpcf.org . Donations can also be made to the Masonic Lodge #127 in Clearwater, Florida, so they may continue their good deeds.

Two services will be held for James. Family and friends are invited to gather at a Celebration
Of Life on Wednesday January 7, 2026 at 2p.m. at Canton First Methodist Church, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton, Georgia 30115. A funeral will be held on Saturday January 10, 2026 at 10a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist, 9530 Starkey Road, Seminole, Florida 33777.