Listen Live
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, James Mott Lansing, loving Husband of Karen, passed away at the age of 78. He is survived by his bride of 56 years, Karen Stevens Lansing and his two daughters, Jennifer Lansing Scheer (Grandchildren, Amelia and Benjamin) and Christie Lansing Brindmore and husband, Rich, (Grandchildren Noelle and Nathan). In addition, Jim has two brothers, Douglas Lansing and late the Martha Lansing, Steven and Kathleen Lansing, and their families, along with step brothers, Kenneth and Carol Tang, and Ronald and Judy Lansing, and their families.
Jim grew up in Clarks Summit, PA. After high school graduation, he joined the Navy at the age of 17. He started his career on a submarine and upon deciding not to reup his time, he was placed on a Destroyer, serving in the Vietnam War. After leaving the military, Jim moved to Rochester, NY to be close to his brothers, and there on a blind date, he met the love of his life. Eight months later, they married, moved to Texas, and began his college education at Texas A&M-Commerce.
After graduation, their first daughter was born and Jim was employed at EDS (Electronic Data Systems), under Ross Perot. After several moves, and the birth of a second daughter, Jim was asked to join Computer Associates, relocating the family to Long Island, New York. and closer to extended family. The Lansing clan was able to enjoy reunions, summer vacations, weddings, and Jim and Karen’s 50th anniversary party; all at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. From 1983-1997, Jim was a top producer and Senior VP of Sales, which enabled Jim and Karen to enjoy many company trips around the world. One of the most enjoyable was their safari trip to Africa.
In 1997, Jim was offered the position of Global Accounts Sales Manager in Japan, and then became President & Representative Director. As a senior manager for all business in Japan, Jim met or exceeded revenue quotas and established a strong subsidiary for Computer Associates. He and Karen attended the Nagano Olympics in 1998, one of the highlights of his time spent in a culture he learned to deeply respect. Jim had the honor of making lifelong friends who became an important part of both their lives throughout the years.
After retiring in 1999, Jim and Karen built a custom timber frame home on Buck Mountain in Earlysville, VA. One of his many joys on the property was working on the land, and taking his grandkids on tractor rides, showing them the importance of being in nature and instilling a good work ethic. Also, important to both Jim and Karen, was a love and desire to help others, build community and give back. Jim began his volunteerism at various organizations, which included Managing Director of Albemarle Capital Management and Lewis and Clark Capitol; providing partnership and investments in early-stage and established companies. He then became Executive Director followed by Chairman at Charlottesville Venture Group, which offered regional support for entrepreneurs through educational and networking events and critical business plan review to assist small growth companies in Virginia. His love of mentorship provided him with deep satisfaction, as he truly made a difference in the lives of people of all ages.
Jim then focused his attention on the Boy Scouts of America, specifically the Virginia Headwaters Council, to help recruit new scouts into an organization which he often said changed his life, in a positive way, as a child. Throughout his life, he followed the Scout Oath and Law. From 2011-2014, Jim served as President of this council, and in 2014 until present, served on the Executive Committee, to serve the young men and women of Central Virginia. His integrity and desire to inspire his community will forever be with each of us, in all the ways in which we knew him.
As a family, we would like to recognize all the people in who assisted in his care at Martha Jefferson Hospital, and Albemarle Health and Rehabilitation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The James Lansing Scholarship Fund in support of Camp Shenandoah by sending checks payable to “James Lansing Scholarship Fund”, Virginia Headwaters Council, 617 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA, 24401. For more information, please contact Sue Hart at susan.hart@scouting.org.
For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.