Colonel James "Jim" Newton Lanier

Colonel James (Jim) Newton Lanier, 86, of Ashville, NC, passed away on July 17th, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Jim was born July 2nd, 1939, to Cyrus and Lucy Carolyn Lanier in Faison, North Carolina. He was the sixth of eight children. He grew up in his beloved Warsaw, North Carolina. Jim graduated from high school there and then attended Wake Forest University where he was the center on the football team for three years.

He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1961 and he and his wife Joanne, began their Army trek together. Jim’s successful military career covered 22 years. He graduated from both the Adjutant Generals and Infantry Officer Basic Course and earned his Ranger Tab and Airborne Wings at Fort Benning, GA.

Jim served in many positions over his career. A few highlights include as the Adjutant General, Second Armor Division, aide to General Westmoreland’s scientific advisor in Vietnam; Senior Military Assistant in the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Office, and was promoted twice “below the zone”.

Jim was also a graduate of the Adjutant General Officers Advanced Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. Jim earned numerous medals including a Legion of Merit Award, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Secretary of Defense Identification Badge, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry cross unit citation with Palm. He earned his MBA from Florida State University and received an Economic Management Diploma from the University of Pittsburgh.

Colonel Lanier retired from the Army in 1983 and immediately launched his successful second career with USPA&IRA. This is now known as First Command Financial Services. In 1983, he began his rapid climb in First Command as a representative in Woodbridge VA. He quickly rose through the ranks: District Agent, Fairfax, VA; Assistant Regional Agent, East Region; Regional Agent and Vice President of Southwest Region. In 1990 he was named
Vice President, Director of Marketing, at the company headquarters in Fort Worth, TX. He was named President and Chief Operating Officer in 1992. After relinquishing the presidency in 1999, he later returned to First Command and served as Chairmen of the Board from 2007 – 2018.

Jim accomplished a great deal over 2 successful careers. Despite his strong leadership style and motivation, they do not speak to the kind of man he was. Jim possessed not one mean bone in his body and no finer man walked in shoe leather. To say he was Christian, kind, loving of his fellow man, compassionate, and generous – these words don’t even begin to describe his nature. His advice was always thoughtful and reflective and always “in the right direction”. His sense of humor was fulsome and robust. His love of his family consummate. His loving care of friends bountiful.

No one knows how many he helped in a myriad of ways. For Jim never bragged about what he had accomplished or given. He saw another’s misfortunes and needs as a God given directive to help. In fact, his soul thirsted for opportunities to serve his family and friends. The list of friends and people who Jim affected is far too long to mention. Jim loved to Golf, watch College Sports including his beloved Demon Deacons, read suspense novels and legal thrillers, travel, spend time with friends and family, and eat a ton of seafood.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Flowers Lanier, on March 3rd 1962 in Warsaw, North Carolina. Together they were joyous, loving, and a hospitable couple until Joanne passed in 2011. For fifty years, Jim and Joanne’s life was full of adventures, family, faith, and friends. Faith was important to them as they loved the Lord and read completely through the Bible three times together at night before bed. Their ability to host others was legendary.

In 2014, Rebecca Rose stepped into Jim’s life at an Auburn/Alabama football party. Becca brought a twinkle back to Jim’s eyes, a quickened step, and a new joy. Their marriage was a true blessing for both of them, and their years together were happy ones.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Joanne Lanier, infant baby daughter, his parents, Cyrus and Lucy Lanier of Warsaw, NC; sister, Edna Mae Lanier Norris of Wilmington, NC; sister, Irene Lanier Cunnion of Naples, FL; brother, Marion Lanier of Surf City, NC; brother, Harvey Lanier of Cheltenham, MD; and brother, Cyrus Dwight Lanier of Raleigh NC.

In addition to Rebecca, Jim is survived by his daughter, Melissa Lanier Williams, Husband Dexter, and Grandson Walker of Gainesville, GA. Walker is a Senior at the University of Georgia, was dearly loved by his grandfather. They truly had a special bond. Jim is also survived by his brother, Kenneth D. Lanier of Durham, NC; sister, Carolyn Faye Yopp of Raleigh, NC; niece, Debbie Norris Langley (Jerry) of Wilmington, NC; niece, Diane Norris Hamilton of Leland, NC; David and Virginia Yopp (David Jr.) of Beaufort, NC; Garland and Rebecca Yopp (Lucy and Garland jr.) of Hampstead, NC; Ricky and Amber Lanier Harlow (Logan and Cooper) of Raleigh, NC; Tracy Lanier and Kathy Bonner of Durham, NC; Chris and Cindy Taylor (Justin, Jacob, and Jason) of Durham, NC; Leslie Langley and Melanie Hollaran of Cary, NC; Kent and Wendy Dubose (Parker) of Wilmington, NC; Rebecca’s sons Dr. Matthew Rose and Jason Rose and their families. Plus, many more family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service for Jim will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 3:00 PM at Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church in Hoschton, GA. Afterwards, an internment service will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 5:30 PM at Memorial Park South Cemetery in Flowery Branch, GA.

In leu of flowers, donations to one of Jim’s favorite charities are welcome Tunnel to Towers t2t.org and Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorproject.org.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, prayers, love, and support.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.