James William "Jim" Langley

James William "Jim" Langley April 23, 1911 - July 8, 2010 COLUMBUS, GA— James William "Jim" Langley passed away peacefully Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the age of 99. Funeral service will be held Monday, July 12, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Pines, Striffler-Hamby Mortuary with the Rev. Buddy Cooper officiating. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at Striffler-Hamby from 3 to 5:00 p.m. Mr. Langley was born in Camp Hill, AL on April 23, 1911, the son of Albert Leroy and Lula Harrelson Langley. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years, Nell Newton Langley; one brother, Robert Howell Langley; and one sister, Virginia Belcher. He was a member of St. Paul Methodist Church for more than fifty years, Mr. Langley took great pride in his church and enjoyed the fellowship shared with a wide circle of friends there. Mr. Langley was a loyal member and song leader of the Miller Wilson Sunday School class, a member of the Primetimers, and a member of the St. Paul Chancel Choir for more than 40 years. He is survived by a daughter, Winnie Langley Allen and husband, Fred of Thomasville, GA; a son, William D. Langley and wife, Sharon of Columbus, GA; grandchildren include Allison Allen Cheney and husband, Stephen Cheney of Thomasville, GA, Lynn Langley of Montgomery, AL, Leigh Davis and husband, Rece Davis of Burlington, CT, and Drs. Bob Mahan and wife Dianne of Midland, MI; great grandchildren are Stephen, Jr. Allen and Scott Cheney, Christopher and Elizabeth Davis, and Andrew and Lauren Mahan. Mr. Langley took great pride in Columbus' growth and development over the years. He was actively involved in many out reach and community service projects and was a member of the Columbus Kiwanis Club for over 40 years. A commercial artist by profession, Mr. langley retired as the owner of Langley Sign Service. At the age of 13, his precocious art talent led to acceptance by the Detroit Michigan School of Art and Design where he was trained for a career in commercial art. This was both an honor and an ambitious undertaking for one so young. The expertise in silver and gold leaf sign medium he perfected in art school was later to become widely renowned in his career in commercial art. When the Springer Opera House was restored, Mr. langley was commissioned to do a gold leaf oval welcome sign above the entrance. The diversity of his work included designing artistic, functional graphics such as the logo to St. Paul Methodist Church. In the early 1950's, he pioneered the silk screening process and clients shipped his work nation wide. A child of the Great Depression and one of the last surviving members of the Great Generation. Mr. Langley's legacy as a devoted husband, father, and friend will live on. He often credited his long life to a happy marriage and immense pride in his children, Winnie and Bill. Although he was in declining health while residing at Spring Harbor, he never lost quick wit and sense of humor or his zest for life. Flowers will be accepted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Methodist Church.