James H. Lanos Jr.

Mr. James Henry Lanos Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 3, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

He was born April 22, 1946, in Earle, Arkansas, and moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1951. He was the second of five children born to the late James H. Sr. and Mary (Nicks) Lanos.

James, affectionately known as "Bug" and "Big Guy", was a graduate of Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964. He attained rank of Sergeant at his last duty station, Wright Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio and received an honorable discharge in 1968. He began his work career as an employee of the Frigidaire Corporation and later worked for the General Motors Truck and Bus Division. James worked his way up to management, where he then retired after 33 years of service. He was also a proud graduate of Central State University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1975.

The king of quips, James' humor was unmatched and his personality and smile would light up any room. He adored family and always put them first. He was a teacher to his loved ones and knew how to do almost anything. His bold confidence led him to believe he COULD DO EVERYTHING. He taught his children the value of education and hard work so they would be prepared for the world. It was important for him to encourage us to be moral and upstanding citizens and to teach the boys in his life how to become men and the girls to be self-sufficient.

James opened his heart and their home to a number of foster children over the years. His love for children also led him to make the lifelong commitment to be an adoptive father.

Politics and the tv show Gunsmoke filled his days in his later years. James was an avid gardener and loved to share his many plants with family and friends. He was also a huge car enthusiast. His most prized possession was his 1981 Corvette with T-Tops.

He was preceded in death by his parents James H. Sr. & Mary E. (Nicks) Lanos, two sisters Barbara Lanos Johnson and Alice K. Lanos Bounds, one brother Charles E. Lanos, one brother-in-law Stanley Ponder.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 28 years Karen Lanos; one sister Dorothy (Vernon) Grose; seven children: Michelle (Michael) Calhoun , Chanda Lanos, Dale Haygood, Tyler Robinson, Jonathan Jordan, Tyneisha Woods Lanos and Heather Woods; three grandchildren: Anthony Curlett Jr., Kendall Battle, and Jacarious Garth; three great grandchildren: Jaz'Anea Smith, London Gay and Mi'Queen Curlett; one sister-in-law Johnnie Lanos; former wife Bernadine Lanos; special friend Sanford Felton, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To honor James' wishes, there will be no service. We invite you to please privately celebrate James' memory in your own way. We know that he will be with all of us in spirit. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.

In lieu flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Central State University.

To share a memory of James or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.