James F. Lanfear

He met Jesus peacefully at home on Christmas Day. Preceded in death by parents Forrest and Margianne (Terry) Lanfear, brother Donald Lanfear and sister Judith Whitacre. Jim proudly served his country in the Army National Guard and was retired from the Columbus Police Department where he worked in Organized Crime and Homicide. After retirement, Jim was employed by the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office and the Licking County Juvenile/Probate Courts. He was a member of the Etna United Methodist Church, F.O.P Capital City Lodge #9, Pataskala Lodge #404 F&AM, and South High School Alumni Association (Class of 1962). Jim was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds; enjoyed fishing on Buckeye Lake; and cherished time with family at Lakeside, Ohio. He will be remembered for his wit, his unwavering devotion to Phyllis, the pride he had in his children and grandchildren, and his love for Jesus. Jim enjoyed working crossword puzzles, hiding candy from his kids, and making his loved ones laugh with a silly facial expression. If Jim’s life had a soundtrack - it was Joe Nuxhall’s voice heard through a transistor radio.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Phyllis Iacovetta Lanfear, children Jerry Lanfear and Suzanne (Dan) Hayes. Grandchildren, Alex Lanfear, William (Abby), James and J. Claire Hayes, sister-in-laws Joann Burton and Karen Iacovetta (Michael Johnson), numerous loving nephews, nieces, cousins and treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Etna United Methodist Church, 500 Pike Street Etna, Ohio 43018, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at give.michaeljfox.org or a special charity of your choice.

Per Jim's request, a private family service will be held at the Pataskala Cemetery.