James "Jim" Cecil Laney, Sr., 72, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015 at his home following a long battle with cancer.

He leaves his wife of 38 years, Linda Bowling Laney; his son, Jim Laney Jr. and his wife, Mary Beth Reynolds Laney; his daughter, Jennifer Laney Fogle and her husband, Jace Fogle; and his daughter Jodi Laney Dowdy and her husband, Aaron Dowdy; his father in law Harold Lee Bowling,five granddaughters, Julia, Brooklyn , Lexi, Lily, and Mattie; and one grandson, Aiden. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil W. Laney and Bertha R. Laney, and his mother in law, Gladys Arthur Bowling.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Jim served in the United States Navy for four years and then later retired from AT & T after a successful career of over 30 years. At that time, Jim started a successful telecom business, Laney's Communications that served the Central Virginia area for many years. After leaving the business to Jay Hipes, he started Laney's Computers with his son, Jim Jr., who now runs the successful business in downtown Altavista. Jim was a fixture in the Altavista/Hurt area, and had many friendships that he valued over the years.

When Jim was not at Laney's Computers with his son, he spent his time with his family. He was a role model for the entire family, and was the example for a father, husband, mentor, and friend. Jim was a devoted husband, and he actively participated in each one of his children's and grandchildren's lives leaving a mark on each one. Jim's passion was his grandchildren, who lit up his world and always brightened his day. He was eagerly expecting a second grandson in the fall.
The family will receive visitors at the home of his daughter, Jodi Dowdy, 309 Longview Road, Hurt, VA Friday May 8th, from 7pm-8:30pm.. A memorial service will be held at New Prospect Baptist Church, 4pm Friday May 8th, with Rev. Brady Willis officiating.

The family asks those wishing to make donations consider Faith Christian Academy P.O. Box 670 Hurt, VA 24563, the American Cancer Society, or a church of their choice.