James, affectionately called "Leon" passed away on July 16, 2018 at his home. He was born June 12, 1952 to the late James Leon Lingo Sr. and the late Iola Brown Lingo. He attended school and graduated from Monroe Comprehensive High School in 1970. He was the first black exterminator in the southeast. He was owner and operator of Lingo Exterminators in Albany, Georgia for over 40 years. His motto was "Bugs must go with Lingo!"

Mr. Lingo is survived by five children: Jestacia L. Jones, James Leon Lingo III, Wantonia Dyson (Micheal), Monica Lindsey Ponder and Frederick Bonner (Tacarla). He has two brothers, King Lingo and Nelson Brown Hanton, and one sister, Delphine Lingo. James was preceded in death by his four sisters: Devorah Lingo, Gennell Lingo, Janie Lingo (his twin) and Francina Lingo. He also has several grandchildren, one great grand daughter and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.