James William Lanahan Jr.

Life Remembered

Obituary of Jamey Lanahan

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James William Lanahan Jr. who left us on April 2, 2025, at the age of 65. Jamey was a beloved member of the Donelson/Hermitage and Mount Juliet communities, a cherished friend, and a devoted family member. Jamey will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Early Life and Education

Jamey was born on August 17, 1959, in Davidson County. From an early age, he demonstrated an incredible passion for all sports. He excelled in all he did, including being the best pitcher he could be. He attended David Lipscomb College for 3 years and Lubbock Christian University his last year, where he excelled on both baseball teams and was drafter to Minor League Baseball twice, once out of high school and once in his senior year at Lubbock. He excelled in his studies and always had a 4.0 grade point average. He made lifelong friendships at both schools. People always felt drawn to him. He just had that thing about him.

Career and Accomplishments

After completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting, Jamey worked for his dad in the plating business the family owned for a few years. Then, he opened his own business in wood working making beautiful furniture for people. After a few years doing wood working he decided to get a job at Gibson Guitars where he moved up quickly from making the guitars to management. He worked as plant manager at the main building for some years and then HR/Sales traveling to Germany and Japan. Before long he was plant manager at the Custom Shop where they made custom guitars for big name musicians. He retired after 25 years. He was dedicated to accomplishing all the goals he set for himself.

Family and Personal Life

Jamey is survived by his wife Lori Arnette Lanahan of almost 43 years of marriage, daughters Jacyln Wix (Tony), Jessica Spear (Jason) and sister Cyndi Lanahan. Grandchildren Jackson, Parker, Riley, Kinlee, and Cameron. He created a home filled with love, laughter, and warmth. He loved his grandchildren with every ounce of his being. You usually saw him most with his grandchildren. He enjoyed remodeling our homes. He was always up for a challenge. He knew a lot about everything. He could fix anything. All you had to do was ask him for help. He loved the remote Hobbie cars and helicopters. He would go with this good friend Tom Burns to empty school parking lots on the weekends to drive and fly them. After introducing them to the grandkids, they also enjoyed playing with them, which led to a lot of repairs as well. He loved spending time with the grandchildren, whether that was a game, school awards ceremony, or just a Friday morning breakfast and school drop off. When the first grandson, Jackson was born, we offered to keep him on Saturday nights to give the parents a date night. He really believed in date nights. We continued the tradition with all 5 grandchildren. He would get up early Sunday mornings before church and take them to Waffle House or Dunkin Donuts. He loved that more than anything.

Community Involvement

Jamey was actively involved in Donelson Church of Christ as a deacon. He dedicated countless hours to the Senior Adult Ministry Team, specifically the encouragement team. He was a part of a beautiful group of people at a Home Church on Sunday evenings for some years. Jamey's efforts had a lasting impact on the lives of many that he prayed with and encouraged every day. Jamey will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. He always said, "Leave things in better shape than we found them."

Legacy

Jamey's legacy will live on through his family and many friends. The love he shared with his family and friends, and the countless lives he touched. His spirit, kindness, and passion will be remembered and cherished by all who knew Jamey.

Funeral Service

A funeral service to celebrate Jamey's life will be held on April 19, 2025. Visitation at 1:00pm and Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm at Donelson Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests tha tdonations be made to The American Cancer Society or American Heart Association in Jamey's memory.

Rest in peace, Jamey, you will always be in our hearts.

Fond members and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Lanahan family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.