James Lane

Jim Lane
James Ragan Lane, age 79, of Unionville, MO, passed away December 30th, 2008, at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO.
James was born April 23rd, 1929, on a farm in Mercer County, MO, the son of Ned and Jessie Fern (Ragan) Lane, who preceded him in death. On October 26th, 1951, he married Lena Summers in Princeton, MO.
Jim worked on road construction then joined the United States Army in 1950. He served in the Army until 1953, commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. Jim was a Tank Commander during the Korean War. Following the army, he and Lena returned to the Princeton area and farmed until 1956. In 1956 they moved to Davenport, IA, and Jim worked for Nichols Wiring and Aluminum as a Department head. In 1976 Jim and Lena purchased a business in Unionville, MO, that was known as Lane Implement and Farm Supply. After they sold the business, he went to work as a Real Estate Agent for Strout Realty. During that time he and group of citizens chartered the Putnam County State Bank where Jim served on the board of directors until his death. Jim has also served as a past member on the Lake Thunderhead board and was a past member of the Unionville Lions Club. Jim was a successful business man. He enjoyed their home at Lake Thunderhead. Jim loved his wife and family and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He loved telling stories about his past and playing yatzee.
Jim is survived by Lena, his wife of 57 years. Also surviving are brothers Bill Lane and wife Cleo of Phoenix, AZ; Bob Lane and wife Judy of Unionville, MO; and Joe Lane and wife Linda of Liberty, MO; and sisters, Mary Lou Arnold and husband Bob of Eldridge, IA; Janet Elsey of Kewanee, IL; Francis Wahl and husband Harley of Holt, MO; June Shockey of Claycomo, MO; and Ann Young of Durant, IA. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Preceding Jim in death in addition to his parents were parents-in-law, Marion and Thelma Summers, brothers Herb Lane, Harold Lane, and Frank Lane and sister Katharyn Berger as well as brothers-in-law Bill Shockey, Clarence Overholtzer, Harold Elsey, Bob Young, Alex Berger, Raymond Summers, sister-in-law Phyllis German and nephews Jerry Lane and Alan Berger.
Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends and was loved by all of them.
Funeral services of Jim Lane were held Sunday, January 4th, 2009, at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO with Charlie Bill Pittman officiating. Recorded musical selections were “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” “Peace in the Valley,” and “Rock of Ages.” Casket bearers were Tim Bunnell, Donald Ray Summers, Jim Elsey, Mike Shockey, Jimmy German, Bobby Young, and Christina Lane. Honorary casket bearers were Kenneth Torrey, Bill Fowler and members of the Putnam County State Bank board of directors, Tawnya Fowler, Rick Clark, Roger Pearson, Jim Scott, Tom Fowler, Charlie Bill Pittman and Kevin Lair. Interment was in the Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, MO.
Memorials for Jim Lane are suggested to the Putnam County Memorial Hospital or the Putnam County Library to be used for Braille supplies and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO, 63565.