Jim Lanning was born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina. At the young age of 16, he began his life long career with Ingles Markets as a bagger. In 1977, he graduated from TC Roberson High School located in Asheville, North Carolina. He continued his employment with Ingles and was soon promoted to stock clerk and shortly thereafter to Grocery Manager. Continuing to grow his career with Ingles, Lanning was promoted to Assistant Manager. Realizing the importance of an education, Lanning chose to continue his schooling at Western Carolina University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

After obtaining his college degree, Lanning’s career progressed and he was promoted to the position of Store Manager. Lanning was willing to make any move the company requested to better himself and Ingles Markets. He was continually challenged to take on larger stores and show results. In 1995, Lanning was promoted to District Manager. He was responsible for the northeast Georgia region and proved successful in this role. In 2003, Robert Ingle selected Jim Lanning to serve as President of Ingles Markets, Incorporated.