James 'Jim' Lombard.Courtesy Emerald Isle Immigration Center
James ‘Jim’ Lombard passed away in New York on October 17 following a brief illness. He was 88 years old.
A lifelong resident of The Bronx, Lombard was a first-generation Irish American with roots in both Co Cork and Co Mayo.
After graduating from Iona College and receiving his Masters degree from NYU, Lombard served two years of active duty in the US Marine Corps.
His career in public service began when he joined the staff of the New York City Council President Paul O’Dwyer. He would go on to serve the City Council for more than 25 years until his retirement in 2002.
Lombard served on the boards of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, Daxor Corporation, and the Mayo Society. He was also a member of organizations including the County Cork B.P. and P., Div. 3 New York County Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Ireland-U.S. Council, and The Knights of St. Patrick.
Siobhan Dennehy, EIIC Executive Director, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim.
“His support and generosity helped us grow as an organization and I am personally grateful to him for his mentorship and friendship for many years.
“Jim was the President of the Irish Institute at the time seed funding was sought for our Bronx Office Capital project and the entire endeavor and scope of this capital renovation for 4275 Katonah Ave would not have been possible to plan without the early support and vision shared by Jim.
“Jim and his late wife Rosemary, who was also a long-time member of the EIIC Board along with many other organizations, contributed countless hours to fundraising efforts and offered support to us on many occasions."
The County Cork BP & P Association said it was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lombard, describing him as “a distinguished and influential leader in the Irish American community.”
James is survived by his brother Stephen his sister-in-laws Helen and Patricia, his nephews Stephen and Douglas Lombard, Brendan, Kyle, and niece Kerry Yetter. James also has four Grand nephews and one Grand niece.
A wake honoring James Lombard's life will be held this Sunday, October 29 from 2 - 5 pm at the Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home in The Bronx, New York.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, October 30 at 9:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, with burial afterward at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.