Name: Visitation for James Walter Lanning
Start: 2024-09-17T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-09-17T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Thomason Funeral Home

James "Brother Jim" Walter Lanning, 82, of San Marcos, passed away peacefully on September 13 at home surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on May 29, 1942 in Sweetwater, to James and Alice Lanning. He graduated from Trent High School in 1960 and went to Texas A&M. Jim married the love of his life, Judy Edwards, in 1967, and together they raised three wonderful children. They celebrated their 57th anniversary this year.

While attending A&M as a Spider-D Company Cadet known as "Hoss" to his friends. He received his degree in Agriculture Education and earned his commission into the U.S. Army in 1964. Jim became an Airborne Ranger then served as a Company Commander in Vietnam where he earned the Silver Star for his gallantry under fire. There were many stops on their journey back to his beloved Texas. Jim retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1985 after 22 years of service to his country. At his retirement ceremony Jim shared this declaration: "I am leaving this mans' army to join Gods' army."

He subsequently attended Mid-Western Baptist Seminary, and following his proud Texas roots, he accepted his first pastorage in Winters, Texas. In 1990 Jim moved to the San Marcos Baptist Academy where he influenced the lives of many youth.

While at the Academy Jim also planted several Missions on behalf of First Baptist Church of San Marcos. One of his proudest moments was the building and dedication of Redwood Baptist Church, where he served as Pastor until retiring at age 70. His christian ministry continued through his deaconship at First Baptist Church, Lions Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Salvation Army, Border ministry, "Reclaim your name" homeless work, Good Neighbors summer reading program, Migrant children center in San Antonio, East Austin Angel House Soup Kitchen, Prison Bible gifting, and Veterans Patrol.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy Edwards Lanning. Son Jim David and wife Rain of Portland,OR; Daughter Jennifer and husband Jason of Galveston; Daughter Julie Anna and partner Annabelle Rinehart of Brooklyn, NY and grandchildren: Max, Ian, Caleb, Zoe, and Anna. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Lee Lanning of Lampasas.

Jim will be remembered for his service to the Nation, Fellow Man, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Marcos Daily Record from Sep. 14 to Sep. 28, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Lanning

13 Entries

Jeremy Jackson

March 2, 2025

I Loved That Preacher! I was 20-21 at Gary Job Corps. He picked me up every Sunday for church. Then took me to eat after. I Loved him and Judy.

Joseph Dans

September 19, 2024

I offer my condolences to his family and friends. I interviewed Colonel Lanning a number of times on the radio about his exceptional books on the military. I found him to be a true patriot and kind man despite have served bravely in one of our most difficult and unpopular wars. He was a great storyteller and I enjoyed having him as a guest...he
will be missed in many ways. He did discuss being ill with me, but I only found out he had passed when I tried to call he and his phone just the other day and it was disconnected. I wanted to do another show...

May he rest in peace.

Joseph Dans
WTBQ Radio
Warwick, NY

Cindy Ybarra

September 18, 2024

I barely even know where to start to express all that I have in my heart right now. I met Brother Jim when I was a Wesley Nurse in San Marcos. My pastor at the time, Santiago Heredia of El Buen Pastor Methodist Church, took me to Redwood as a possible community for wellness outreach. There I met Brother Jim and we clicked right away. I think his "preference for the poor" made him an instant role model in my eyes. His demonstrated desire to serve all people with genuine kindness and respect but especially those who might not have been accustomed to receiving those things, had an immediate effect on me that made me glad to be 1) a Christian, 2) a caregiver and 3) a human being. He had a way of conferring dignity and value on the people around him that made very real the ideal of the familyhood of God.
I dearly loved Brother Jim and honored to an extreme the work he did. There is an unfillable gap in our earthly realm now where he used to be but then again, there are thousands of people whose lives have been enriched by this man and in whom he still lives on.
I pray for moments of peace and many joyful memories for lovely Judy and for their kids and their families. May God bless them all.

Billy Oxley

September 18, 2024

A Brother in Christ who was always there to offer encouraging words and lift others up through God's word and with his gentle kindness. Always caring and attentive and he always had time to sit and listen with his heart. A true man of God who with his wife Judy did so much for so many who were in need of help. Brother Jim walked strong in his faith. As the men in his Friday Open Door Emmaus Reunion group would say," Jim walked the talk ". Meaning he embodied what it truly means to be a Christian, doing for others where and when he was needed, no matter the time of day, selflessly and tirelessly, expecting nothing in return. He just didn't "talk" about doing things for others, Jim was a man of action. One of the scriptures I fondly remember Jim reciting is: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27
I am grateful and thank God that I got to walk along side of you on this life journey, though it was only for a few short years. I am sorry I was not there before our Lord and Savior called you home. I pray you are at peace my friend in God's loving arms. I will miss you and loved you as my friend and my brother in Christ. I pray God's peace, comfort and grace upon all your family and friends now and forever.

John, Corinne and Colton Rush

Planted Trees

Darla Andrus

September 16, 2024

I always appreciated Jim´s
down-to-earth honesty and forthrightness. Jim Lanning said what he meant and meant what he said. I remember him talking about "buster."

I know Jim is with the Lord in a better place.

Cousin Jay

September 16, 2024

Matthew 25: 40...." I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Cousin Jim is the only one I ever knew who absolutely lived by this commandment.

Bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, with Cousin Jim´s passing I have lost a part of myself.

Phyllis A. Sandlin

Planted Trees

"Cap'n" Jim & I on one of his visits of encouragement as I ministered with my guitar to others. He loved and cared for his men until the very end.

Bobby Shelton

September 16, 2024

Beginning 57 year ago in Vietnam, "Captain Jim" Lanning, as I fondly remembered him, has been my constant friend. Although I was "lost in the jungle" for some 18 years as my mind & heart recovered from the horrors of war, Captain Jim was my first contact upon my attempting to emerge from that jungle and back into civilization. He counseled me that God's love overcomes all guilt complexes that our minds create. I made the five-hour trip to San Marcos to attend his little church/outreach/mission service where, after listening to his sermon, I walked the aisle and gave all the guilt up to Jesus and rededicated my lift to God's service. I have been a fellow member of God's army ever since. He gets the credit for keeping me alive in the 'Nam and for bringing me back into the fold of believing born again Christians. I will ever be grateful to Brother Jim. ps., I was there that day when he earned his Silver Star medal. "Falcon Charlie One Zero Sierra to Falcon Rest In Peace HERO! I'll sing to you in heaven in a few more days.

Dennis Lockhart

September 15, 2024

My heart is heavy to find out that my good friend has passed from this life to glory. I am comforted knowing that Jim had a relationship with God and was a faithful servant of God and loved all people. We have served together many days and have shared on many occasions. I will miss Bro Jim. I am praying for his family.

Tom McNair

September 15, 2024

Judy, I know this has been a great loss. I knew Jim only from years back, but I respected him then and do now. He was a good man. The world will miss him for his Christian work and caring spirit. Please accept my condolences. Tom McNair

Johnny Rush

September 15, 2024

Brother Jim & Judy are loving people, Jim will always be remembered and cherished in our hearts. Onward Christian Soldier!

James, Jr. and Joan Bryant

September 14, 2024

Judy we are deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your dear husband Jim Lanning.
Your loving marriage of 57 years was an inspiration to us. We will always remember and cherish the time we spent with you and Jim. His journey was filled with bravery, courage, faith, and strength. He definitely was a soldier in God´s army and loved helping people. May his memory be a blessing, a comfort to you, and his soul rest in peace. We will definitely miss him.
You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers.

With Our Deepest Sympathy,
James, Jr. and Joan Bryant

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