James S. Lanphere

1943-2025

James “Frito” Stewart Lanphere, 82, of Portland, NY, passed away Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. He was born to the late Stewart and Dorothy Lanphere on April 14, 1943 in Mayville, NY and was raised in Sinclairville, NY.

James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served from 1961-1967. He was a life member of AMVETS 726, American Legion 149 and a charter member of VFW Owningsville, Kentucky, and presently VFW Post #53

James was a lifelong musician playing several times at the Rymen Theatre (Grand Ole Opry) along with artists such as Little Jimmy Dickens, George Morgan, and Tommy Cash. James started his playing career in a band with Bill Frost at the age of 14, and played in country bands, including Country Associations, Bobby Allen and the Southern Comforts and various other groups, the most recent one being Rustic Ramblers.

James worked as a truck driver for the Red Wing Company for 33 years, then Hills trucking after retiring.

James is survived by his wife Mary Lanphere, his children James Lanphere Jr, Renae (Nathan) Miller and Bill (Jeannie) Woodcock; step-children Tracey (Tom) Edington, Cheryl (Kory) Bracken, and Lisa Waldron. he was preceded in death by his siblings John Lanphere, Joel Lanphere, Jerry Lanphere, and son Grove Lanphere.

Grandchildren are Marcus Kaiser, Ken Beckwith, McKenzie Bracken, Trent Bracken, Riley Miller, Tyler Miller, Owen Miller, Seth Weinman, Brooke Weinman, Jakob Giambra, Juston Edington, Virginia Green, Skyler Lanphere, Krysta Woodcock, Ashley (Evan) Shute, Maryssa Woodcock, Jordyn Woodcock, and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Jordan Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to AMVETS 726, Jamestown, NY, earmarked Tunnels to Towers.

To send a condolence please visit www.jordansinclairville.com.