Emmett James Laney, age 102, passed away at 6:27 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born February 2, 1921, in Billings, Missouri, the son of James Elmer and Augusta Anna (Kraft) Laney.

Jim was a 1939 graduate of Billings High School in Billings, Missouri and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. He was a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Air Force. Jim was a member of the Quiet Birdmen and the United Church of Christ in Springfield.

In September 1942, he married Marie Ann Laney, and she preceded him in death on January 6, 1997. On November 4, 2001, he married Ruth Colvin Laney in Springfield, Missouri.

Jim is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ruth; one daughter, Diana Kraft Cupp, of Ft. Worth, Texas; one son, James Richard Laney and his wife, Roxanne, of Granbury, Texas; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Augusta; his first wife, Marie and two brothers, Gerald and Clifford Laney.

A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Online condolences may be shared at this website.