James Lantz

LANTZ, James Jacob "Jake"

Age 83, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Hospice of Hamilton. He was born December 20, 1928 in Pine Grove, WV to the late Andrew and Grace (Meyer) Lantz. After graduation from Pine Grove High School in 1946, he entered the US Army as a Medical Technician. After his return from service, he enrolled at West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Medical Technology. During his college years he was very active in the Fraternity of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In later years, he received a Masters Degree in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University. He was employed as Administrator of the medical laboratory at the Fort Hamilton Hospital for 26 years, retiring in 1989. After retirement, he shared his knowledge for 2 years as an instructor for medical assistant students at Southern Ohio College.

Jake is survived by his wife of 59 years, Roda (Hively) Lantz; his son, James Andrew Lantz; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Moseley) Lantz; granddaughter, Victoria Grace Lantz; grandson, Michael Jacob Lantz; sister, Betty Woods of New Martinsville, WV; nephew Timothy Summers of Proctor, WV; niece Elaine Eckes of Crawford, WV; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Ruth Eckes.

He was a very committed advocate for animals and was instrumental in organizing The Animal Adoption Center. He leaves behind his beloved Schnauzer, Toby.

The family is most grateful to Dr. Harry Davin and his staff for their many years of kind and competent care. Furthermore, much gratitude is expressed to the wonderful caregivers at Hospice of Hamilton who cared for him at the end of his life.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. with memorial service to follow, Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield, OH 45014. There will be a gathering and sharing of memories offered after services at 5 p.m., at the Berkeley Square Community, 100 Berkeley Square, Hamilton, OH 45013. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Hamilton, 1010 Eaton Ave., Hamilton, OH 45013. Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

1-3 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2012 @ Avance Funeral Home

Service

3 p.m., Saturday, October 13, 2012 @ Avance Funeral Home