Jack "J. K." K. Lanier
June 15, 1922 ~ July 30, 2025
J. K. Lanier, affectionately known as Jack, dad, or grandaddy passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Accompanied by Mary Lanier, his loving wife of nearly 50 years.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Lanier; his son, Michael Lanier and daughter-in-law Isabel; two grandchildren: Miles Lanier (Becky Caldas) and Grace Lanier (Corey Chambers); and one great-granddaughter, Haven Lanier. He is also survived by special family members: his nephew, Ricky Lanier (Leslie) and daughter-in-love, Christie Mckenzie (Solomons). Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Port” Cortland and Lillie Edenfield Lanier as well as his siblings: Richard Ivy Lanier (Evelyn), Lucile Lanier (Richard), George “Boy” Lanier, Fannie Lanier and Nina Youmans (Hoke).
Born on June 15, 1922, in Metter, Georgia, Jack was the youngest of nine children. He graduated from Metter High School in 1940 and answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1941. Following an honorable discharge, he returned home and began working at the Navy shipyard, where he developed a deep passion and talent for welding, ultimately shaping the rest of his life. A skill that would lead him to open his own welding shop in Jacksonville.
Jack was not only an expert tradesman, but a true inventor at heart. He specialized in aluminum welding and became one of the most respected welders in the south-east. He was recognized as the first heliarc (TIG) welder in Jacksonville. He was admired for his ability to think creatively and solve complex problems. Jack didn’t just repair, he created. His work led him to design several unique inventions, including a commercial mowing machine that was sold around the country, the “Tootsie Toaster,” and one of the earliest known magnetic engine patents in the 1960s.
On October 11, 1975, Jack and Mary got married in Jacksonville, where they would build a life grounded in love, hard work, and family. He was immensely proud of his son, Michael, especially when he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an achievement that Jack considered one of the proudest moments of his life.
Outside of his work, Jack found joy in the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time around his shop, often with his loyal shop cats nearby. He loved boating and was often known for having the fastest boat on the water. Former Mayor Ed Austin once said it was “the fastest boat ride he’d ever taken.” In true Jack fashion, he even welded his own airboat from scratch, powered by a Rolls Royce airplane engine. Outside of his big projects, he truly just loved to tinker. He had a “can do” attitude which made no task too big or too challenging. His love for speed, craftsmanship, and ingenuity showed in everything he did.
Jack lived by the values of hard work, persistence, and sharp thinking. He often reminded those around him, “Problems start when you stop thinking.” and “There’s always a way.” Jack will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his sharp mind, and his enduring belief that no problem was unsolvable. His legacy is one of deep love for his family, grit, and determination. At 103 years old, his family remarks, sliced bread (1928) is the coolest thing since him.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date by the family. The family invites friends and loved ones to remember him for the strength of his character, the brilliance of his ideas, and the legacy he leaves behind, not only in the things he built, but in the lives he touched.
“If you lose money, you’ve lost nothing, if you lose a friend, you’ve lost something, but if you lose your word, you’ve lost everything.”
“He never quit, and he never lost... he just ran out of time.”
Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Lanier family.
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Mr. Lanier was a patient in our Cardiology office. Whenever he came in for an appointment, he always showed up with a smile on his face, which always brought a smile to ours. We have so many memories together and photos that I will treasure forever. He will be missed but will always be remembered.