In Memory

Jim Lanier

Jim Lanier

James Earl Lanier, 55, of Duluth, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006, in his sleep. Jim was born on March 8, 1951, in McKinney Texas to Ben and Velma (Fuller) Lanier. Jim graduated from Mankato High School in 1969 and from Mankato State College in 1974, with a degree in Health Education. Jim Taught for 30 years in various schools in Duluth, ending his teaching career at Denfeld High School. Jim was fun-loving and family oriented. He enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting and nature. He loved camping and traveling. He had been a member of the Jack Meade Gun Club and competed with a twinkle in his eye. Jim had a passion for life and a love of teaching students. He did some early coaching and announcing of the Denfeld basketball games. Jim had a special gift of befriending everyone he met and would bring out the best qualities in people. Jim is preceded in death by his father and his foster mother, Kay Siebrass. Jim is survived by his daughters, Kelsey Lanier of Brooklyn Park, Stephanie Lanier of St. Cloud; and their mother, Lynn Lanier of Duluth; his mother, Velma (Andrew Brink) Lanier of Grand Meadow; a brother, John (Sharon) Lanier of Mankato; foster parents, Hersh and Grace Siebrass of Alborn; sisters, Susan (Ken) Schwichtenberg of Belle Plaine, Jan (Greg) Bernu of Brookston; and many nieces and nephews.