Jim David Lanier, 81, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Dec. 6, 2024. He was an outstanding therapist, serving Georgia and Northern Florida for 59 years. Jim will be remembered for his dedication to helping others, his love for his family and friends, his passion for the great outdoors, good books read at the beach, his excellent cooking skills, his love of laughter and of course being a loyal Georgia fan.

Jim was born Aug, 30, 1943, in Tallapoosa. He was the youngest of six children of the late William I. and Wordie May Lanier.

After graduating from Tallapoosa High School, Jim attended Mercer University, earning his B.A. in psychology and minors in history and sociology. He served as president of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon graduation, Jim began his career in social work at Central State Hospital. After one year, Jim entered the U.S. Army. His background earned him a position as a personnel psychology specialist in research at Human Resources Research Organization at the Presidio of Monterey, California. After serving for two years, he was honorably discharged and moved back to Milledgeville.

In 1968, Jim began his lifetime career as a social worker. He earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia in 1970. He was chief of the MR Division at Central State Hospital until 1979. In true Jim fashion, he also earned his second Masters of Business Administration from Georgia College in 1976 and owned and operated The Front Porch Restaurant from 1978-1980. Jim left Central State and moved to Macon in 1980. He worked for a psychiatry practice in Macon until he moved to St. Simons Island in 1984, where he continued work in a psychiatry practice. In 1989, Jim opened his own private practice. From 1989 until his illness in 2024 Jim dedicated his life as a LCSW to helping others. He volunteered at the Amity House, CASA Glynn, Hospice of the Golden Isles, the Domestic Violence Task Force and served as a deacon and elder at St. Simons Island Presbyterian Church. Jim loved his 40 years on St. Simons; an avid outdoor enthusiast, Jim enjoyed kayaking and hiking and backpacking with his hiking group. They traveled far and were very dear memories in his last year.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William I. & Wordie May Lanier; and siblings, Bernard Lanier (Mable), J. Hugh Lanier, Jessie Cheatwood (Sam), Norman Lanier and Sylvia Smith (Bill).

Jim is survived by his dedicated partner, Jack Fowler, and their loyal dog Murphy; son, Shawn Lanier (Kenneth Newberg) of Weston, Massachusetts; daughter, Mandie Lanier Rossberg (Jeff) of Jackson Hole, Wyoming; granddaughters, Emma Kaye Newberg-Lanier and Katherine Anne Newberg-Lanier; as well as his dear friend and office manager, Sara D. Lanier of St. Simons Island.

The family would like to express their most sincere gratitude for his amazing hospice caregivers and nurse at Coastal Hospice, as well as the outpouring of love and support from so many people in the community.

Jim's life will be celebrated at 5 p.m. April 5, 2025, at the docks at Epworth, followed by a reception and celebration of life at American Legion Post 166 on St. Simons Island. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia.

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to have assisted the Lanier family.