James Edward "Jim" Lanker

1936 - 2016

Lanker, James (Jim) Edward
80, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on July 10, 2016, after bravely enduring a brief illness. In losing our "Papa", we lost a devoted husband, loving father, loyal grandfather and great-grandfather, skilled storyteller and proud patriarch. He was born on February 5, 1936, the only child of Florence and Ted Lanker, in Lima, Ohio. He attended high school in Sandusky, Ohio, and during his senior year, he began dating the love of his life, Patricia Diane Williams. Together, they went to Michigan State and were married 60 years ago. While at MSU, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering and was a member of the 1957 Big Ten Championship swim team. He was a life-long devoted Spartan. He launched his career in the automobile industry with General Motors, which would then take them on their journey to Arizona to oversee the proving grounds in 1965. Through the years, Jim successfully owned and managed 6 car dealerships in Arizona and California. He was a member and held many offices in Automobile Dealer Associations in both of these states. Through the years, Jim could be found enjoying his days golfing, traveling, boating, bicycling and sipping a toast at sunset. He was proud to have completed a 26-mile marathon. He is survived by his wife, Diane, three children...Glen Lanker and his wife, Linda, Greg Lanker and his wife, Jenny, and daughter, Anne Roberts and her husband, Jeff. Our "Papa" also leaves behind nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who will miss him eternally. We have carved you on the palm of our hands and will carry you with us forever in our hearts. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2016, 16245 North 60th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Jim's great-grandson Blake, please consider a contribution to 'Down Syndrome Connection' www.dsconnectionsnw.org. or to "doctorswithoutborders.com".