As a young boy, I had first met Jim Lane at a candy store called Rocky’s, one block away from our house.

Local sports enthusiasts would gather there, and I would often tag along with my dad.

Our fare was Royal Crown Cola, Benzel’s Pennysticks and a Fudgesicle or Creamsicle for “dessert.”

As a member of the Altoona Area High School basketball team, I became better acquainted with Jim throughout the years of 1969-71. He was our regular team reporter for the Altoona Mirror, recounting home games from the storied Jaffa Mosque.

He was a consummate professional.

As the boys head basketball coach at Bellwood-Antis High School, I got to know him as an adult. I recall him traveling on our team bus for a playoff game at IUP. I was honored to be seated with him as we discussed both the current game and our season.

When I visited my dad at the Altoona Hospital (UPMC Altoona) during the last days of his life, I later told Jim that his Father’s Day article about his own dad came to mind as I told my hero dad one last time that I loved him.

Jim was very appreciative and visibly touched.

On occasions not long ago, we had a few good talks outside the Altoona Fieldhouse, joined by Altoona “Mayor” Mike Pappas. We reminisced about the glory days and hashed over the current status of Altoona sports.

Most recently, I had a lengthy talk with Jim while sitting on his front porch. One thing clear from our conversation was his profound love for his family, heritage and community, which he notably served.

Jim Lane penned countless words throughout his journey here on earth. I have no doubt the words “James Kermit Lane” are now written in the Book of Life.

No man ever stood taller.

Galen Bickel

Altoona

Lane enhanced high school sports

I’m sorry about the loss of Jim Lane and wanted to extend condolences to the entire Mirror sports department. I know how much of an impact Jim had on many careers.

He was one of my favorite people of all time.

Every Father’s Day, I read his column word for word even though I could probably recite the whole thing.

Jim was a first-class individual, and he will be missed.

I always loved seeing him cover any game that I was coaching. Even though he has not covered any games for awhile, any time I saw him it was great to talk with him.

He made the sports section of the Mirror special for me, and the current staff has carried that torch after he left the Mirror.

I am sure he is proud of all you guys for promoting sports in our area.

Jim made high school sports feel like they were the big leagues. He was in the big leagues as far as Blair County sports icons.

Nick Lovrich

Bellwood

(Editor’s note: Lovrich is the head football and track and field coach at Bellwood-Antis High School.)