James Josiah Lantz “Jim,” 86 of Winchester, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, September 3, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on March 5, 1940, in Winchester, Virginia, the son of the late Howard Lantz and Vallie Lee (Place) Lantz. He was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1959. Jim built a dedicated career in manufacturing, working with O’Sullivan and Strasburg Automotive Industries before founding Valley Industrial Plastics Inc., where he served as Owner and President until his retirement.
On June 19, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, JoAnn B. (Bean) Lantz, at Stephens City Methodist Church. Together, they shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Jim was a devout and active member of Market Street United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn; his daughter, Tina L. Wisecarver (Brian); his sons, James M. Lantz (Lynn), Kenneth N. Lantz, and Richard B. Lantz (Christy); his nine grandchildren, Oren Ambielli (Sharon), Ethan Dienst (Lacee), Tiffany Wisecarver, Marcus Wisecarver, Laura Miller (David), Brooke Burwell (Aaron), Keenan Cresslan, Shepherd Lantz, Nathan Lantz, and Silas Lantz (Katie); and his eleven great-grandchildren, Zella, Henry, Odette, Bayet, Madyson, Shayne, Brayden, Lexi, Alley, David, and Carter.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Market Street United Methodist Church.
A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Market Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Jack Lee and Rev. Keiko Foster officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hebron Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held at the church following the interment.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Market Street United Methodist Church, 131 S. Cameron St., Winchester, VA 22601.