James "Bud" Clemens Lanz, 91, passed away on February 18, 2017. Beloved husband of 58 years to the late Carol Jean (nee Blum). Loving father of Suzon Lanz, Cindy (Curt) Kubly and Paul (Sue) Lanz. Cherished grandfather of Lisa (John) Ayres, Joshua (Cindy) Kubly, Niki (Derek) Folven, Wendy (Drew) Duffy, Meaghan (James) Burchinal, Connor Lanz and Isabelle Lanz. Proud great-grandfather of Aaron Kubly, Cade Kubly, Ava Folven, Lanz Duffy, Lennon Duffy and Mia Burchinal. Dear brother of Robert (Elaine) Lanz, Helen (the late Walter) Lavasseur and the late Frederick Lanz. Brother-in-law of Eleanor Lanz. Fond uncle and friend to many. James proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard LST 34 in the Pacific theater; served as a volunteer firefighter for 40 years on the Monroe Wisconsin Fire Department and was a fourth generation Swiss immigrant family business co-owner of Lanz Sheet Metal and Heating. James and Carol retired to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where they joyfully lived for 23 years. Both were accomplished artisans in wood carving, quilting and painting. Together they spent hundreds of hours volunteering in trail building efforts in the Pisgah National Forest and hiked over 7,000 miles during their time there. Since her passing in 2008, James has grieved the loss of his lifelong love, Carol, whom he now joins in Heaven. Celebration of James' Life will be held on April 15, 2017 at Nomia Meadows Farm, 2051 Hoosier Rd., Franklin Grove, IL 61031 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to USO of Illinois, 333 South Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60604. For information call Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home at (630) 941-5860.