His younger sister Ruth says he died peacefully due to what she calls "health complications". She says he had a "heart of gold."
Lomax and his wife, Susan started the initiative in 1958. Over the years, it provided more than $200,000 in gifts to thousands of people each year.
Lomax worked at Stelco for almost 40 years before retiring. The CHML/Y108 Children's Fund took over Operation Santa Claus last year due to Lomax's failing health. He had been suffering from prostate cancer, and from a lung condition he had since childhood.
The flag at Hamilton city hall will be lowered to half-staff for Lomax, and in a statement mayor Bob Bratina said "Jimmy exemplified the best of Hamilton and Hamiltonians. A humble east-ender who found a way to make a difference in people's lives. We have lost a great man and a great friend."
Visitation will be held Friday night for Lomax, from 7 to 9 pm, at the LG Wallace Funeral Home, at 151 Ottawa Street North.
His funeral will be held at Laidlaw Memorial United Church, 155 Ottawa Street North (at Cannon), Saturday at 11 am.
Video: Cristina Tenaglia looks back at Lomax's life:
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Video: From 2002: Randy Steele catches Santa in action:
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Video: From 2003: Connie Smith on Lomax: Then & Now:
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Video: From 2010: Cindy Csordas on Jimmy's retirement:
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