Dr. James Lane Jr

Dr. James A. Lane, Jr. died at Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home in Casper, WY on June 19. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, June 23 at 1 pm in Newcastle, WY at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Holland officiating.
James was born on June 26, 1923 in Pueblo, CO to James A. Lane, Sr. and Isabel Smith Lane. He grew up in Mitchell, NE. Following graduating from High School in 1941, he served in the US Navy during World War II on a destroyer, USS Pringle, until it was sunk by a kamikaze attack. He survived the attack and was rescued after 3 hours in the Pacific Ocean. He received a purple heart for injuries he sustained. After World War II, James attended the University of Colorado where he met his wife, Patricia Baumgartner through her brother, Richard. They were married on September 4, 1949. Then moved to Chicago where James earned his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Chicago School of Optometry. The couple settled in Newcastle, WY where Dr. Lane started his optometric practice that continued until his retirement. During his life in Newcastle with Pat, Jim raised two daughters and was very active in his church, the Lions Club, Shrines', Newcastle Forum Club and his professional organizations. He served as president for the Wyoming Optometric Association and served on the membership committee for the American Academy of Optometry. In addition, he served several years on the Wyoming Optometric Licensing Board. In 1981, James was selected as the Optometrist of the Year for the Wyoming Optometric Association. He lived a long active life and enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, hunting, golfing, and gardening.
Dr Lane is survived by his 2 daughters and their husbands, Leann and Terry Keller and Rene and Ron Rickabaugh; 3 grandchildren, Tiffany Keller, Katherine Keller, and Scott Rickabaugh; one great grandchild, Jordan Otis; in-laws Duane Baumgartner and Lorna Baumgartner; and several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and great grandchild, Abigail Otis.
Worden Funeral Home is in charge of the services at the Methodist Church on June 23 at 1 pm. There will be a reception to follow in the church's Fellowship Hall. Dr. Lane's ashes will be buried beside his wife at the Greenwood Cemetery in Newcastle, WY. Memorial donations can be given to the Newcastle First United Methodist Church.

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