James Harold Lang

1937 - 2021

James Harold Lang
November 30, 1937 - July 26, 2021
Riverbank, California - Realtor, property manager, and local businessman James Harold Lang died on his feet, July 26th, in his home, following his recovery from a stroke last year, aged 83. He was a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, employer, and neighbor.
Born Ventura, CA, he grew up there, in Kearny, Nebraska, and in Bakersfield, CA. He was a drum major and first chair clarinet at East Bakersfield High. Declining a choral scholarship to Pepperdine University, he attended Bakersfield City College and UCSB, working part time for the Southern Pacific Railroad and California Dep't. of Fish and Game. He worked as an insurance agent in the Central Valley for decades, then opened J's at the Old Winery in Escalon with the love of his life, wife JoAnn, whom he met while appearing as Captain Von Trapp in a community production of "The Sound of Music," opposite her Maria. After work as real estate agents in Modesto, the pair opened Lang Real Estate in Riverbank, which they sold in retirement.
Jim enjoyed fishing, hiking, music, dancing, relaxing in the pool, drives to the Bay Area and Napa, and vacations in Lake Tahoe and Hawaii. He was a master at the barbecue and at the bar, and a gracious host to those who visited his beautiful home. He was a handyman who could come up with a fix for anything. He loved nature, wildlife and the outdoors, rescuing injured birds and abandoned kittens. More than this, he was a true Good Samaritan, who helped his fellow man when he could, and was a friend to everyone he met. Jim will be remembered for his compassion, fairness and integrity.
He was preceded in death by a stepson, Michael, and a granddaughter, Nastassja. He lives on in the hearts of his wife JoAnn, daughters Laura and Mary, stepsons Greg and Jon, five remaining grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 11th, First United Pentecostal Church, 3208 Stanislaus, Riverbank, CA.