1928
James
2013
James Lanning
July 5, 1928 — February 1, 2013
James Lanning (Jim or JJ to his many friends) passed away on February 1, 2013 . He was born in Miami, OK, on July 5, 1928. His family moved to Kansas City and eventually migrated to North Kansas City, where he attendedNorth Kansas City High School. Upon graduation he joined the Coast Guard and served in the Great Lakes. He took advantage of his GI benefits to enroll at Baker University, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Economics. He also obtained a degree from the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI, and completed the Senior Banking Seminar at Harvard Graduate School of Business. He married the former Ann Gore in 1950.
Mr Lanning was known to many in the community for his work in banking. His career began at a small bank in Coffeyville, KS, as an Assistant Cashier. He and Ann moved their young family to Kansas City to pursue an opportunity as a Vice President at Traders Bank, and for many years he worked building correspondent banking relationships and friendships among bankers located in the Midwest and beyond to the largest banks in Manhattan. Mr. Lanning, along with his good friend, Charles Meher, founded Red Bridge Bank in 1966, which after significant growth was purchased by Mercantile, where Mr. Lanning continued his career. At retirement he was Vice Chairman of the bank in Kansas City and also supervised Mercantile's regional banking operation. After his retirement he continued to consult for the bank's headquarters in St. Louis. He was deeply involved in the industry and an active member of many industry organizations at both the state and national level.
Mr. Lanning was known to his friends and associates for his humor and ability to entertain. He played drums at a local "joint" during college in nearby LeLoup, KS. He continued his love of performing while pursuing his banking career. He was a member of the cast at the annual Nitwit Show at the University Club for a number of years, acted in industrial films, was offered (and turned down) a role in the Hollywood movie debut of actor Michael Douglas, and frequently delivered motivational speeches for banking industry functions. Mr. Lanning was the voice of "On the Side of Wit and Wisdom," a local radio program sponsored by Red Bridge Bank for many years. The program featured homespun humor and advice, such as, "You can always tell a Harvard man, but you can't tell him much," that he performed with gusto for years afterward, even for hospital staff to their delight shortly before his death.
Mr. Lanning was involved in numerous local and national civic and charitable groups and one of the original KC Chiefs Red Coaters.
Mr. Lanning and Ann went on to become lifelong supporters of Baker University. Together they worked tirelessly to promote the university and enhance its reputation and reach. Mr. Lanning served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1990-2011. He was awarded the University's Distinguished Alumnae Award in 1999 and an honorary Doctorate in 2010.
Mr. Lanning is survived by his wife and career partner, Ann, "the secret to his success." He also leaves a daughter, Barbara Lanning of Orlando, FL; a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Chyrstal, of Edmonds, WA; their two children and adored grandsons, Jack and Rob Lanning; his brother, Dr. Richard M. Lanning and wife, Raymonette, the deceased's "favorite" sister-in law, and four nieces and nephews.
A private entombment service for the family will take place on Wednesday, February 6 at the Johnson County Courtyard of Memories Indoor Mausoleum. Friends are invited to participate in a celebration of Mr. Lanning's life on Friday, March 1 at 3 p.m. at the John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Baker University Memorial Fund in Mr. Lanning's name, 618 Eighth St, Baldwin, KS 66066.
Mr Lanning was known to many in the community for his work in banking. His career began at a small bank in Coffeyville, KS, as an Assistant Cashier. He and Ann moved their young family to Kansas City to pursue an opportunity as a Vice President at Traders Bank, and for many years he worked building correspondent banking relationships and friendships among bankers located in the Midwest and beyond to the largest banks in Manhattan. Mr. Lanning, along with his good friend, Charles Meher, founded Red Bridge Bank in 1966, which after significant growth was purchased by Mercantile, where Mr. Lanning continued his career. At retirement he was Vice Chairman of the bank in Kansas City and also supervised Mercantile's regional banking operation. After his retirement he continued to consult for the bank's headquarters in St. Louis. He was deeply involved in the industry and an active member of many industry organizations at both the state and national level.
Mr. Lanning was known to his friends and associates for his humor and ability to entertain. He played drums at a local "joint" during college in nearby LeLoup, KS. He continued his love of performing while pursuing his banking career. He was a member of the cast at the annual Nitwit Show at the University Club for a number of years, acted in industrial films, was offered (and turned down) a role in the Hollywood movie debut of actor Michael Douglas, and frequently delivered motivational speeches for banking industry functions. Mr. Lanning was the voice of "On the Side of Wit and Wisdom," a local radio program sponsored by Red Bridge Bank for many years. The program featured homespun humor and advice, such as, "You can always tell a Harvard man, but you can't tell him much," that he performed with gusto for years afterward, even for hospital staff to their delight shortly before his death.
Mr. Lanning was involved in numerous local and national civic and charitable groups and one of the original KC Chiefs Red Coaters.
Mr. Lanning and Ann went on to become lifelong supporters of Baker University. Together they worked tirelessly to promote the university and enhance its reputation and reach. Mr. Lanning served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1990-2011. He was awarded the University's Distinguished Alumnae Award in 1999 and an honorary Doctorate in 2010.
Mr. Lanning is survived by his wife and career partner, Ann, "the secret to his success." He also leaves a daughter, Barbara Lanning of Orlando, FL; a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Chyrstal, of Edmonds, WA; their two children and adored grandsons, Jack and Rob Lanning; his brother, Dr. Richard M. Lanning and wife, Raymonette, the deceased's "favorite" sister-in law, and four nieces and nephews.
A private entombment service for the family will take place on Wednesday, February 6 at the Johnson County Courtyard of Memories Indoor Mausoleum. Friends are invited to participate in a celebration of Mr. Lanning's life on Friday, March 1 at 3 p.m. at the John Knox Presbyterian Kirk, 11430 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Baker University Memorial Fund in Mr. Lanning's name, 618 Eighth St, Baldwin, KS 66066.
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