BEVERLY JOEL “JAI” LAMBERT, IV,
was born March 27, 1960, in West Memphis, Ark., to Eloise Carter and Beverly Joel Lambert, III. He died on June 22, 2022, at his home in Little Rock, Ark.
Jai was preceded in death by his mother, and brother Michael Hughes Lambert. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Smiley Lambert; step-daughters, Kimber Mantooth, Erika Owen; and grandson, Tayvin; and stepson, Marcus Polson (Courtney); and granddaughter, Freedom. Also survived by his father; sister, Laura Lambert Walker (Kyle); and nephews, Wesley Kyle Walker, Marshall Hayden Walker, and Joshua Carter Walker; and step-father, Bob Lukas.
Jai graduated first in his class, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Central Arkansas, with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. His career path then took him on to become a Web Site designer extraordinaire. First and foremost, however, he was a musical artist.
Indeed, at his essence, Jai was both artist and performing musician. Music Giver, not Taker. The rich musical legacy and joy he left behind will always endure on his recordings and in the collective memories of those lucky enough to be in his bands and innumerable audiences he entertained during his journeys. Jai adored his charity work with the Rotary Club. His offices, while in Rotary, included West Little Rock Club President, District Public Image Chair, Assistant Governor, Paul Harris Fellow +4, and Member of the Paul Harris Society. Anyone lucky enough to have had Jai’s Rotary Salsa will surely never forget it.
A Service of Celebration and Remembrance will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Second Presbyterian Church, at 2 p.m., with visitation for family and friends beforehand at 1 p.m. at the church. 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72207.
Memorials in Jai’s name can be made to The Rotary Foundation online at Rotary. org or to the Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60693.
Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 10515 W. Markham St., Ste. B1, Little Rock, Ark., 72205. If you would like to leave a message of condolence to the family, you may do so using the “Tribute Wall” tab: www.arkansascremation.com.