PORT RICHEY, FL — James Bernard Lantz, Jr., 72, of Port Richey, Florida lost his battle with cancer at home and entered his eternal rest surrounded by his family on Sunday March 4, 2018.

His Christian faith was practiced locally at the Grace of God Church in New Port Richey.

After graduating a Byesville Falcon, Class of 1964, Jim entered the United States Marine Corp and served two tours in Vietnam before exiting the Marines in 1968. He was an active member at both the Marine Corp League in New Port Richey and F.O.E. 386 in Cambridge, as well as a lifetime member of the V.F.W. post 2901 in Cambridge, and in his tenure served as Commander and eventually District Commander. In active years, he enjoyed boating, fishing and local gun shoots.

He was born August 24th, 1945 in Waynesburg, PA to James B. Lantz, Sr and Bessie (Hoey) Lantz.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by the recent passing of his brother, Charles “Earl” Lantz; sister, Helen (Lantz) Harris; mother-in-law, Cathryn Knight; sister-in-law, Betty Mclaughlin; and niece, April Dawn Lantz.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Kay (Oliver) Lantz, whom he married Nov. 18, 2004; daughter, Brenda S. (Trent) Morrell; sons, James (Jane) B. Lantz, III, John C. Lantz, Lee (Linda) Oliver; grandchildren, Trenton (Stephanie), Isabella, Alyssa, Jacob, Jarod, Justin, Tyler, Terri, Tim and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Trenton, Trent, Joslyn and Jenna; brothers, Robert Lantz of New Port Richey and George Lantz of Parkersburg, WV; brother-in-law, Ted (Andrea) Taylor; sister-in-law, Karen Myers of Cambridge; sister-in-law, Melinda Stotts Lantz; and several nieces and nephews.

Special mention of Richard Trevel, Barbara Lodato and Kim Mayes for their Hospice support and many years of loving friendships.