James E. Lanier

James E. "Jimmy" Lanier, age 77, passed away on October 15, 2023. Jimmy, the eldest of three children, was born in Denver, Colorado on February 15, 1946 to James Lanier and Joe McNeil-Lanier. He graduated from Manual High School in Denver and later worked for his father in the construction industry. Jimmy soon realized this type of work wasn't his calling, so he decided to hone his culinary skills. He became a master chef, worked in renown restaurants, and discovered he hadn't found his niche yet. He enrolled at the University of Colorado, earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and became employed as an accountant with Kaiser Permanente. He retained this position for twenty-three years and retired in 2001.

Jimmy's entire life was enriched with God's grace and mercy. He was reared in a Christian home and attended the Denver Gospel Church with his family on a regular basis. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and personal Savior as a teenager, and he is now in the Lord's presence.

Jimmy was blessed abundantly with his wife, Pat, and the blessing was mutual. They were best friends, soulmates, and loves of each other's lives. They married in 1990 and relished a loving relationship throughout the nineteen years of their union. They enjoyed engaging in many activities together, especially attending Calvary Baptist Church and traveling. After they both retired, they became proficient in creating beautiful and unique necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces. They formed a business called "Pat's Jewels" and sold master pieces at various bazaars, fairs, and markets. Pat passed away in 2009, and Jimmy lived with the love she left behind the remainder of his life.

Jimmy had a loving, devoted, and supportive family as well as friends. His favorite activity was getting together with them to visit, enjoy delectable food, and play dominoes and bid whist. He was a master at both games and reveled in playing and defeating opponents. He was also masterful in playing chess in his younger days. Jimmy loved and adored his family and friends, holding dear his grandchildren and memories of his son, Julian.

Jimmy enjoyed a full life, but he also suffered devastating losses. In troubling times, God enabled him to be strong, courageous, and resilient. Throughout everything, he was consistently kind, loving, compassionate, generous, and exhibited a great sense of humor to the end.

Jimmy engaged in all activities he enjoyed until a couple of years ago when he began to experience problems with his mobility. As his condition worsened, he stayed in his home more and derived enjoyment from watching movies and a wide variety of sports, and visiting with family. His family and friends served as vessels of God to support him emotionally and to do all that was needed.

Jimmy was preceded in death by Patricia "Pat" Lanier, wife; Julian Earl Lanier, son; and James Lanier and Joe McNeil, parents. He is survived by Helen Marie Rahming and Janet Lanier-Jackson, sisters; Julian Earl Lanier II, Janayle "Adrienne" Lanier, and Jailin Gabrielle Lanier, grandchildren; Julian Earl Lanier III and Naaz Imaan Lanier, great-grandchildren; Lavade J. Lanier, daughter-in-law; Jacinda Rahming-Cromer (Michael), Jamie A. Jackson, and Janette A. Jackson, nieces; Derrick Rahming (Roxana), nephew; and many more relatives and friends.