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James Russell LAFNEAR

1931 - 2020

James Russell LAFNEAR obituary, 1931-2020, Clarkston, MI

BORN

1931

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston

5929 South Main Street

Clarkston, Michigan

James LAFNEAR Obituary

age 89; passed peacefully at home on Nov 1, 2020 while surrounded by family; husband of Karen for 64 years; father of Jayne (William) Bannister & Steven (Melanie Upcott) Lafnear; grandpa of Jessica (fiancé Tyler Mitchell) Bannister, Alan Bannister, Emily Lafnear & Analyse Lafnear; half brother of Donna Martin; preceded in death by siblings Ron Lafnear & Charles Owen. Jim joined the Pontiac Police Department in 1952 & retired as sergeant in 1983. He served as detective, worked in the juvenile division, police counselor at Pontiac Central HS & as a district court coordinator. He earned many awards for sharpshooting, citations & community service. After retiring, Jim worked 10 yrs as court officer for Judge Fairbrother at 50th District Court House. In 1995, he started part time serving papers for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department/Probate Court (retiring in 2009). Jim enjoyed years of fishing/ boating while living on Deer Lake, Clarkston. He enjoyed playing cards, MI Fall color tours & visiting casinos. Jim’s pride & joy was being a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 132 and was its first president. The lodge was named in his honor, The James R. Lafnear Metro Pontiac Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 132. He was life member of the Pontiac/Waterford Elks # 810, member of the Sons of Norway Lodge and member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. Memorial Service Monday, November 9, at 2:00pm at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Clarkston, with visitation beginning at 1:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made directly to the church. Please leave a memory or condolence online guestbook at www.wintfuneralhome.com

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

Published by The Oakland Press from Nov. 6 to Nov. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James LAFNEAR

Sponsored by theoaklandpress.com.

Not sure what to say?





Kimberly Gaynett

November 14, 2020

Dear Karen and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss,
Jim was a gentle giant.
His sense of humor was what I loved about him most.
He will be greatly missed,
Sending Prayers for the Family

Kenneth Preston

November 11, 2020

Carol Gill

November 11, 2020

Karen and Family,
I will always think of Jim as a dear neighbor and friend to us. Always positive and supportive. Every summer weekend he would fire up his fishing boat and head down the canal in the early morning. He knew how to live.
Carol Gill

Joel DeLong

November 10, 2020

Jim was the one of the best neighbors and friend that we could ask for in Deer Lake Estates. His bath rituals in the lake were amusing and laughable. His personality and laugh were contagious and brightened the day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lafnear family. Joel, Mindy DeLong and family

Karen Lafnear

November 10, 2020

It has been of great comfort to read thoughtful comments and memories about Jim on this guest book. The family deeply appreciates all who have reached out to us during this time.

Karen Lafnear

November 10, 2020

It has been of great comfort to read the thoughtful comments and memories about Jim on this guest book. The family deeply appreciates all who have reached out to us during this time!

Bob Garner

November 10, 2020

A most unforgettable character! Jim was one of those folks that I will forever be grateful to have known! The stories, his voice and his laugh rolling across Deer Lake are some of my fondest memories. My best to Karen and Jane and Steve. What a guy!!!

Kim Nelson

November 9, 2020

Dear Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My family loved having Jim as one of the Saturday morning Pete's Oven groupies. I still hear his wonderful laugh.

David Fiscus

November 9, 2020

Mr. Lafnear was my father‘s Best friend in high school, and best man and his wedding (Ronnie Fiscus).

I knew Mr Lafnear throughout junior high and high school high school As he worked As a policeman in the Pontiac school system.

The last time I saw him was at my father’s funeral. Our entire family is saddened to hear of his passing.

You are in our thoughts and prayers

Ruth Fiscus

November 8, 2020

Karen and Family,
My deepest condolences and sympathy for your lose of Jim. He was my husband Ron’s long time friend since junior high. Jim was a truly kind and generous man.
Hopefully Jim and Ron will see each other soon so they can go fishing again

With Deepest Sympathy
Ruth Fiscus and her children

Maria L. Trollman

November 8, 2020

Dear Karen and family,

Wanted to send my condolence thoughts to you and your family. The few times I had the honor to be his nurse, I could see that James was a wonderful, caring husband, father and man. The love you two had radiated in your home. Karen you are a great role model of a faithful, loving wife, I have been blessed to be able to witness your love for this man. Take care of yourself and be blessed.

Jimmy Cumberworth

November 7, 2020

Karen and Family, so sorry to hear about Jims passing. Prayers to the Family. May he rest in peace.

Bob Albertson

November 7, 2020

A great man and a true Lodge Brother at Elks 810. Many good memories.

Terri Covington

November 6, 2020

Jim was the Police liaison when I attended PCHS and the year I hired on with the PPD, he retired. A very nice, professional gentleman that I respected. May he RIP

Bob and Jamie Wagnitz

November 6, 2020

Karen and Family,Jamie and I want to send our condolences to your family.We enjoyed taking to Jim and he was a fun Neighbor.He shared stories that were always interesting.May he Rest In Peace.

Keith Osinski

November 6, 2020

Jim You will always be remembered as the man I looked up to at the FOP 132 Meetings .
GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER JIM . KEITH OSINSKI .

Steven Sitar

November 5, 2020

Karen, Jim left so many positive memories with all of us at the PD. The imprint will always be there. I’m so sorry for your loose and my prayer are with you?

Brian Lee

November 5, 2020

A true icon, bigger than life and Father figure to all. I am better for having known Mr. Lafnear and will always remember him fondly! My condolences to the family.

Michael Ramsey

November 5, 2020

Jim was a outstanding Police Officer for the Pontiac Police Dept. He was the heart and soul of Pontiac Metro Lodge # 132.Above all he was a good man and will be missed by everyone who knew him

Nancy Wirth

November 5, 2020

We were so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Jim and Dad were such great friends over the years. Our sincere condolences to Karen, Jayne, Steve and the entire Lafnear Family. He will be missed.

Sally Houghton (Cumberworth)

November 5, 2020

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers to Karen and the family. He was a great friend of my Dad's and our family for many years. I will always remember his laugh. Rest in Peace Goo Goo

Jack Newman

November 5, 2020

Jim, thanks for your guidance at the PPD, and as President of FOP lodge #132. You will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen, Jayne and Steve. Rest in peace my friend.

Gary/Linda Kraft

November 5, 2020

Simply put JIM was kind, friendly, respectful, devoted, humorous and always helpful. Few people would I describe that way. He was a true brother police officer and friend. I will miss his voice, laugh and presence. I wish him peace and joy in the next life. I wish blessings and comfort to KAREN , and the Lafnear family.

Roland Segal

November 4, 2020

Prayers for the family.

Jim Webb

November 4, 2020

Jim was a good friend to many many people and will be truly missed. Rest In Peace Brother

Jeri DeShetler Whitehead

November 4, 2020

There are few words the lessen the grief of the loss of a family member but please know we are sending strength and prayers to your entire family.

Roger and Barb Roller

November 4, 2020

I met Jim as a young teacher at Pontiac Central. He helped many of us in avoiding trouble, and if we had a problem was willing to help. Mine was having two of my wheels on my new car stolen one night. He helped me complete a police report so I could have my car insurance cover it. He had a great booming voice which you hear in the hallways or on the golf course. He was one of the good guys to know in your life. Our condolences to Karen and his family. Roger and Barb Roller

Donald Lafnear

November 4, 2020

Very sorry Karen to hear about Jim. Many prayers sent to you and family.

November 3, 2020

So sorry for your loss, Karen. Betty Causbie Trewhitt, PHS 1956

Lynn Lang

November 3, 2020

Dear Karen and family, so sorry to hear about Jim. I never met him but know he was truly loved by all of you.

Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results

Make a Donation
in James LAFNEAR's name

Memorial Events
for James LAFNEAR

Nov

9

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church

Clarkston, MI

Nov

9

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church

Clarkston, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston

5929 South Main Street, Clarkston, MI 48346

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