James C. Lanier Iii M.D.

LANIER: James C. Lanier III, MD, age 95, died September 27, 2013. He was born at Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville on March 29, 1918. He attended public schools, graduating from Robert E. Lee High in 1935. He attended Vanderbilt University where he received a B.A. degree, Phi Beta Kappa, and an M.D. degree, Alpha Omega Alpha in 1942. After a brief internship at Vanderbilt, his Commission was activated and he saw service in Europe during WWII as a Medical Officer with a field artillery outfit. He saw combat in France and Germany and was awarded a Bronze Star for combat heroism. In 1946, Dr. Lanier returned to complete his Pediatric Residency at Vanderbilt. In July of 1949 he came home to the Riverside Avondale area of Jacksonville and established one of the first Pediatric Medical practices in the city. He retired in 1991, but the practice continues today as Jacksonville Pediatrics. During his career, Dr. Lanier was a member of local, state, and national medical societies and pediatric societies, and at various times served as Chief of Pediatrics at Riverside Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital and Baptist Hospital. Dr. Lanier also performed pediatric services for the Children’s Home Society, the Boy’s Home, Baptist Home for Children and Lakeshore Baptist Church Medical Mission. Following retirement from active practice, he served for several years with the Social Security Department in the evaluation of disability in children. He was a Director of the First Guaranty Bank for 29 years. He was a member of the Riverside Baptist Church for over 40 years. He subsequently was a member of the Southside Baptist Church and most recently, the Ortega United Methodist Church. At various times he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and leader of discussion groups for high school students and young adults. He was a member of the Big Brothers organization, and during his tenure, mentored five boys with whom he remained in contract until his death. He was a member of the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. During his life, Doc had numerous interests and activities, first among them being a devoted husband and father.

Dr. Lanier is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Mary Duncan Lanier, whom he married the day after he graduated from medical school in 1942; three children, Suzanne Lanier of Nashville TN, Linda Lanier MD (Randy Batista) of Gainesville FL, and James C. Lanier IV, OD (Susan Sanders Lanier) of Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Sydney Shipley, Paige Williams and James D. Lanier, all of Nashville TN, and Meredith Lanier of Tampa FL.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 1:30pm at Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Baptist Children’s Home or Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddensoaklawnchapel.com.