James Paul Lanier

James Paul "Jap" Lanier, 80, of Bessemer City, passed away Sunday, Jan. 27, at CMC-Mercy Hospital after a short illness. James was born Dec. 28, 1932 in Gaston County to the late James Wright Lanier and Alice Craig Lanier. A lifelong Gaston County resident, James was a U.S. Army veteran. He retired from Carolina Freight after many years of service as a mechanic. He was a loving father and grandfather who cherished having his family over for Sunday visits. James was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Lanier, sister Carroll Lanier and his wife Francis Adams Lanier. He is survived by his sons Larry Lanier and Wayne Lanier (Janice); grandsons Paul Lanier (Ashleigh), Josh Lanier and Jason Lanier; and great granddaughter Emma. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Greene Funeral Home, 216 Archie Whitesides Road. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at Westview Gardens cemetery in Bessemer City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202.