James Albert Lane, Jr.

James A. Lane, 73, of Valdosta, passed away March 19, 2016, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly, after a courageous battle with leukemia.
Jim is survived by his wife Damaris Lane of Valdosta; his son and daughter in law, Mark & Donna Lane, of Columbus; daughter and son in law, Beth & Kelly Sessoms of Mobile, AL; and five grandchildren; a step-daughter and her husband, Lindsay & Greg Peacock of Johns Creek; and two step-grandchildren; his sister Joan Brandt of Jacksonville, FL, and many other family members and friends.
As President of Chaparral and Robalo Boats, Jim came on board with company founder, Buck Pegg, in 1977 and formed one of boating's most successful and long lasting partnerships. Active in a wide range of industry associations, Lane was Finance Chairman and also served on the Board of Directors of the National Marine Manufacturer's Association (NMMA).

In a career that spanned almost four decades Jim was respected and widely recognized as an exceptional businessman, insightful leader and one of the most accomplished executives in marine industry history.

Born James Albert Lane Jr on September 23, 1942 in Wauchula, Florida, Jim showed a knack for business at a very young age. Lane graduated in 1964 with a B.S.B.A. Accounting degree from the University of Florida. With the unexpected passing of his father while in college, Lane had to work three part time jobs to complete his degree.

Recruited by numerous Fortune 500 companies, Lane took a position with renowned accounting firm Ernst & Ernst, where he worked as an Account Supervisor overseeing a large portfolio of International clients. In 1965 he earned CPA accreditation, advancing to a position as the Chief Financial Officer of the Delta Corporation from 1969-1977.

In 1977 Lane left the financial services industry to pursue a career that mixed his passion for business with his love for boating. Jim formed a partnership with paddleball partner William "Buck" Pegg whose Ft Lauderdale-based Fiberglass Fabricators boat company was on the rise.

From day one, Lane and Pegg developed an effective partnership that maximized their unique and varied talents. Lane's list of accomplishments, both personal and professional, spotlight a career of achievement. An avid outdoor enthusiast, boating was both his avocation and his vocation.
A memorial for Jim will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Crossroads Baptist Church located at 3001 Country Club Drive in Valdosta. Dr. Ken Alford will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers the family has respectfully requested donations in Jim's honor to the Crossroads Baptist Church, www.crossroadsbaptist.com, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602