James R. "Jim" Lawrence

James R. “Jim” Lawrence, 79, of Manheim, passed away peacefully Saturday August 8, 2015 at Lancaster General Hospital after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Marilyn (Thomas) Lawrence. They celebrated 58 years of marriage this February. Born in Corning, KS he was the son of the late Charles and Grace (Forsythe) Lawrence. He was a graduate of Wayne State University of Detroit, MI. Jim was a project engineer for the Parke-Davis Co. of Detroit, MI and the Warner-Lambert Co. of Lititz. Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He attended Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church of Manheim. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He loved working on remodeling and carpentry projects with his children and grandchildren and he and his wife enjoyed traveling around the US with their children. Jim also enjoyed golfing, ice hockey (playing and coaching), and baseball and was actively involved in his children and grandchildren’s sports, affectionately known as “team grandpa”.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter-in-law Dawn A Lawrence, Oxford, MI; a son Michael D. husband of Lisa Lawrence of Ruther Glen, VA; three daughters Dawn M. Kreider of Manheim, Pam J. wife of Brian Smith of Manheim, Judy A. wife of Clyde Bitner of Mount Joy; 13 grandchildren; two brothers Robert A. husband of Irene Lawrence of Warren MI; Ross E. husband of Judy Lawrence of Nevada, MO; and a sister Audrey Gilliam companion of Jim Kunkle of Mountain View, AR. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a loving son James Allen Lawrence and a sister Mary Scovoronski.

Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend Jim’s Life Celebration Service at the home of his daughter and son-in-law Pam & Brian Smith, 765 Franklin Drive, Manheim on Saturday August 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM (Please dress in casual attire). There will be a time of visitation with the family from 1:30 PM until the time of the service.