The family of James Monroe Lehmann, 78, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to fulfill their request.
James served in the United States Army from 07/06/66 to 06/06/68. He was honorably discharged at the rank of SP5 (E-5). He served in Vietnam and was a cook. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and awarded the Marksman Medal (M-14).
After his time in the military, James worked as a janitor for the LA School District, Scribner’s Electronics, and Simi Valley Baptist Church. James also had a landscaping business.
James enjoyed riding his Harley. He attended events that benefited veterans and first responders. He was a member of multiple riding groups to include PGR, ALR, HOG, and NOP. He also enjoyed making personalized beaded keychains for veterans and generously gifted them to veterans. Helping others brought him much joy, as well as sharing stories of life, storytelling, his experiences in Vietnam, and his perfected Donald Duck voice to entertain children of all ages.
James will be missed by his sisters, Katherine, Rita, Sandra, and brother, Thomas. He will also be missed by eight nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and -nephews, as well as a sprinkling of great-great-nieces and -nephews. James also leaves behind many friends from the several riding groups he rode with.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family to the Bakersfield National Cemetery.
The accompaniment will be in three legs. Family and PGR members will start in Simi Valley, stopping in Lancaster to pick up riders along the way, and meeting up in Tehachapi with the Ride Captain and ride on to the cemetery. Any questions on the first two legs, contact Cynthia Votava at (818) 606-7983. Please see the timetable below if you would like to join in at any of the stops.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2024Leg #10745: Stage at Chevron, 2568 Sycamore Dr, Simi Valley, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fW7HutiuLkijrj5G90815: KSU to Antelope Harley-Davidson, 1759 W Avenue J12, Lancaster, CA (approx 62 miles).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3sW171LbxLeWKsXi7Leg #20930: ETA to Antelope Valley Harley-Davidson.
1000: KSU to Love’s Travel Stop, 2000 E Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, CA (approx 46 miles).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uZ94FWDZD8rC3Bai7Leg #31100: Love’s Travel Stop, 2000 E Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uZ94FWDZD8rC3Bai71125: Mission briefing.
1130: KSU to Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA (approx 20 miles).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yTySBkhkJ9p8dmVN61200: ETA to BNC.
1230: Flag line and military honors.
Jim “Pops” Davis
Tehachapi CA PGR Ride Captain
US Army 1964-70, Vietnam 1966-70
Army Ranger MOS 63B20-63C20
jdavisabajo514@yahoo.com
(661) 221-3120You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
