James Anthony Lamansky Sr.

1931 - 2022

James Anthony Lamansky, Sr.
January 10, 1931 - November 21, 2022
Boise, Idaho - Monday, November 21, 2022 James Anthony Lamansky Sr. (Jim) passed into the loving arms of his savior.
On January 10, 1931 James was born to Leroy and Kasylda (Peck) Lamansky on their farm outside Brighton, Iowa. He was welcomed by his parents and two sisters Pearl and Rosalie. Jim was the third of seven children including Ester, Maryann, Don, and Susie. Growing up on the farm he learned the work ethic that was consistent throughout his life. In high school, Jim was the quarterback of the football team and graduated valedictorian. Jim lived on the farm after graduation until deciding to enlist in the United States Air Force, with a mind set on furthering his education.
Jim always talked fondly of his time in the service making many lifelong friends. Jim was assigned to bases in California, Japan, Greenland and ROTC detachments at Oregon State and the University of Iowa where he met his future wife, Sandra Phelps. She was employed by the University of Iowa. They met in October at a football homecoming party each arriving with different dates. They had a whirlwind courtship, becoming engaged in December and married in April, 1966.
While stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1970, James Anthony Jr. (Tony) was born at the Air Force Academy Hospital. In 1971, the next assignment took Jim, Sandra, baby Tony and a puppy to Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. In December of 1973 their second son, Joshua Andrew, was born. In 1974, Jim retired from the Air Force as a Master Sargent. He then completed his undergraduate and master's degrees in Education from Boise State University.
He taught 5th grade at Star Elementary School for 17 years. According to Jim, he was a farmer and airman, a student and a teacher. With summers free he spent them fishing and camping, working on the house and his cars and enjoying time in the long summer evenings of Idaho with family and friends. Jim and Sandra were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 50 years with its community playing an integral part in their lives. Jim often volunteered at Hawthorne elementary in retirement, reading and tutoring students, with his main motivation being to see more of his granddaughter Salma.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra Phelps Lamansky, his sons Tony (Colleen) Lamansky and Josh (Katie) Lamansky and his three grandchildren, Salma, Liam and Ewan Lamansky. He is also survived by his 95-year-old sister, Pearl, who lives in Iowa.
Jim was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, and siblings Rosalie, Ester, Mary Ann, Don and Susie.
A memorial service with mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 811 South Latah St. Boise, Idaho 83705. Friday, December 9th at 1pm.