Francis James (Jim) Landers died suddenly, June 30.

He was born in Gasport on July 18, 1935 to the late Francis and Carrie (Stern) Landers. Jim had a passion for people and cars and devoted his life to working with both. He started his career in 1960 working as a salesman for Maroone Ford. In 1978 he purchased Howell Motors in Newfane. The dealership was moved to Wrights Corners in 1988 and is now run by his son Michael. He received The Ford President's Award in 2007 and was a member of The Western New York Ford Dealers, The New York State Auto Dealers Association and Niagara Frontier Auto Dealers Association. He enjoyed  playing cards, auto racing, the Bills, Sabres and Yankees. He loved collecting things, especially older automobiles.

He is survived by his wife, Onnalee (Dysinger) Landers; his children, Michael (Maureen) Landers, Jeffrey (Nanette) Landers, Lorie (Kevin) Simons, Kim (Jeffrey) Yates and Dawn (Eric) Greenlief along with 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Sisters-in-law, Marilyn Landers, Mary Anne Dysinger and lifelong friend, Bob Genet also survive Jim. He is predeceased by a brother, Chuck Landers.

A visitation will be held Monday July 6, 2015 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Ross Funeral Home Gaul Chapel, 263 East Ave., Lockport with Funeral Services to be held  11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7th  at the Wrights Corners Fire Company, 4043 Lake Avenue, Lockport. The family would appreciate donations in Jim’s name to Camp Happiness C/O Elks Lodge 41, P.O. Box 395, Lockport, NY 14095.