Retired educator Dr. Jack Lamb died last week at 85, leaving a legacy across Tampa Bay that lives on.
Our community was forever changed because of Jack Lamb. He showed up. He changed lives. He inspired us all.
We will always remember him as the ultimate educator, deeply passionate about helping kids.
An ardent supporter of Seniors in Service, our Foster Grandparents tugged at his heart strings. Volunteers showing up daily with unconditional support, helping kids to not just read, but to love reading.
Dr. Lamb’s leadership made enormous impacts throughout entire communities. He was elected to the Hillsborough County School Board in 2000, serving as chair in 2006. His support of the Arts stems from his love of music and commitment to educating the “whole child”. During his re-election in 2008, Dr. Lamb ran unopposed, donating all of his campaign funds to the music programs of Hillsborough County. Dr. Lamb has served as executive director of the Hillsborough County Association of School Administrators, an adjunct professor at both the University of Florida and Nova Southeastern University, an intern supervisor at Nova Southeastern University and as a teacher and administrator for Pinellas and Hillsborough County public schools. He taught elementary, adult, and exceptional student education. He has also served as a consultant to school districts, universities, and organizations in 10 states and Ontario, Canada. Dr. Lamb served as the 2005-2006 president of the Florida School Boards Association, as a member and officer of the Florida Association of School Administrators; Florida Association of Instructional Supervisors and Administrators; Council for Exceptional Children (local, state, and national); Council for Administrators of Special Education (state and national); and Phi Delta Kappa. He is co-founder, and has served as secretary/treasurer of the Florida Coalition for the Education of Exceptional Students.
In addition to Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Dr. Lamb’s extensive community involvement includes: the MacDonald Training Center; Lighthouse for the Blind; Ybor Chamber of Commerce; Greater Tampa Bay Special Education Consortium; and the Ybor City Rotary.
He is survived by his wife, Nora, a retired Hillsborough County schoolteacher and three children. His daughter, Debbie Arias is an administrator in the Hillsborough County school district who has also served on the board of directors for Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay.
Jack Lamb will be missed by us all. His influence will forever move us all to do more.
Our heart goes out to his wife, Nora, to his entire family, and to all who loved him. We hope that your own memories with this truly remarkable man will, in time, help to ease your sorrow.