James Mathias Lachner

James Mathias Lachner

James (Jim) Lachner was born in Rock Island, Illinois, on September 7, 1935 and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa.

After high school, he joined the Navy and was trained as a sonar man,

When he finished his Naval service he attended Drake University and carned a degree in business. He moved to Denver to attend graduate school. There he met Donna Benvenuti. Jim and Donna were married at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix, Arizona in 1963.

Jim and Donna raised their three daughters, Mary, Anne, and Kristen in Phoenix.

In 1969, Jim started AMK Microfilm and Record Storage. He was owner and president of the company.

Jim enjoyed jogging (completed 2 marathons), and was an avid gardener. He volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul, wrote software for St. Joseph the Worker, and delivered Communion to the Veterans home. He was a member of AA for 45 years.

Jim was blessed with 12 grandchildren and had each of them convinced that they were his favorite. He was the patriarch of his tight-knit family.

Jim died peacefully on November 6, 2025 at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. At 90 years old, Jim leaves behind a loving legacy.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Donna, his three daughters and their husbands, Mary and Dan Minton, Anne and Mike Starkle, Kristen and Edmundo Robaina, and his 12 grandchildren, Sam (Brittney), Maddie, Sarah, and Josh Minton, Sadie, Molly, and Lucy Starkle, Johnny, Andy, Danny, David, and Sophie Robaina, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his siblings, Bernard Lachner and Sally Riede.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Vincent De Paul.

A rosary and funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Rosary will be at 9:30 am in the church. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00am.

Private burial service will follow.