James, nicknamed "Buddy" was born January 11, 1950 in Mt. Vernon, Georgia to Maggie Williams Lanier and John Wesley Lanier. He loved fishing, football, watching old western tv shows, and wrestling. James was preceded in death by parents, John Wesley Lanier, and Maggie Williams Lanier; wife, Hattie R. Lanier; brothers, Willie T. Lanier, John W. Lanier Jr., and George H. Lanier; sisters, Francis Finch and Mae R. Grant. He leaves to cherish his memory, children, James F. Lanier (Glendese), Frank M. Lanier (Salena), Lakeysha R. Lanier (Josh), Marlene Bennett (Antonio), and Bernard Bennett (Inger); grandchildren, Chantel A. Lanier, DaVian M. Lanier, Javon T. Livingston, Lexus Favreau, Bernard Bennett, Jr., Michael Williams, Toccarra Huff, and Miya Williams; sisters, Johnnie L. Johnson, Eva J. Cochran (Sammy, Jr.), Earlene Ray, Loretta Bell, and Claudia A. Gardner; a host of nieces, nephews, and special friend, Vivian. He will be truly missed.

Visitation
Aikens Funeral Home
Friday, January 14, 2022
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33610

Funeral Service
First Baptist Church of College Hill
Saturday, January 15, 2022
1:00 PM
3838 N. 29th St.
Tampa, FL 33610