James K. ‘Jim’ Lane

He married Norma Jean Provosnick on June 19, 1965, in Springdale. She preceded him in death on Feb. 4, 2021.

Surviving are two children: daughter, Jill A. Lane; and son, Jeffrey J. Lane (Tracey L.); two granddaughters, Julia I. Lane and Taylor P. Lane, all of Altoona; and a sister, Kay A. Blum in California.

Mr. Lane was a long-time member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altoona.

He was a 1958 graduate of Altoona High School.

Jim retired as a sportswriter from the Altoona Mirror after a storied 43-year career.

He was a local sports icon in Altoona, leading annual trips to Pittsburgh Pirate training camp in Bradenton, Fla., for many years. Jim lived for sports in Altoona. He was a very familiar sight, usually along with his beloved Jean, at almost every Altoona High School football game, and up until recently when his health was waning, at most Altoona Curve baseball games.

His greatest love, however, was watching his two granddaughters, Julia and Taylor, excel in all their sports endeavors. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on.

Jim was a member of the Blair County Hall of Fame selection committee from its inception, and he was the first Blair County Sports Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in 2010.

In recent years, following Jean’s passing, Jim became a regular presence at Zach’s Sports and Spirits, where he always had a smile and a warm word for both his favorite staff and friends alike.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil service for the deceased will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 Sixth Ave., Altoona, with the Very Rev. John Lynam, VF, celebrant.

Committal rites will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in memory of Jim please be made to the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame, “memo line: Scholarship Fund,” P.O. Box 162, Altoona, PA 16603.

myerssomersfuneralhome.com