James E. Lantz Sr.

By | July 16, 2020

James E. Lantz Sr., age 80, of Jackson, Ohio, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 13, 2020. Just recently losing his wife of 50 years, Delores Jean Lantz on May 19, 2020, he passed with a broken heart.

Jim was born Sept. 26, 1939 in Erwin, WV to the late Thomas Huff Lantz and Reda Buraker Lantz.

Left to cherish and remember are his only son, James E. (Rita) Lantz Jr. of Ray, Ohio; two beloved grandsons, James E. Lantz III and Kyle M. Lantz, both of Ray, Ohio; stepdaughter, Cathy Chedraj of Cambridge, Ohio; step-grandson, Brian (Manda) Thompson of Logan, Ohio; and two sisters, Jeannie Clayman of Florida and Reva Stephen-Evick of Oakland, Maryland.

Preceding Jim in death besides his parents and wife, were his sisters, Marlene Ambrose and Joann Watring, and brothers, Richard Lantz and Thomas Lantz Sr.

Jim was a graduate of Parsons High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He worked all his life in the sawmill industry, better known to all as “The Old Man”.

He graduated from WVU Potomac State College with a degree in Accounting, Muskingum College with an Electrical degree, National Hardwood Lumber Association Lumber Grading School in Memphis, TN, and Haywood Technical College, with a Saw Filing degree in Clyde, NC. He was also a private pilot.

Jim loved people and never met a stranger, always willing to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge. He loved his family and enjoyed flea markets, tools, and especially work.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 20, 2020 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Byer Cemetery with Pastor Butch Cooper officiating. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com