Lawrence Al James Jr.

Lawrence Al James Jr., affectionately known as “Al,” was born on April 12, 1962, in Houston, Texas, to the parents of Betty J. Jackson and Lawrence Al James Sr.

He attended Concord Elementary School and Kashmere High School. As a young man, he pursued higher education, beginning at Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas in 1984, and later transferred to Texas College in Tyler, Texas.

At an early age, Al accepted Christ and was baptized at Union Memorial Methodist Church by Rev. Rhenel Johnson, where he was an active participant in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and holiday programs.

Al was a very hard-working and devoted family man. He dedicated his life to caring for and supporting his loved ones. He had a passion for cooking, barbecuing on his pit, fishing, hunting, and gathering with family and friends. Above all, he loved singing and performing, especially songs by his favorite artist, Al Green.

In 1986, Al met Tonia Irvin, a woman who brought a mountain of love and joy to his life. They were united in holy matrimony on August 12, 1989, and built a loving home, raising three handsome sons: Marcus Irvin, Antoine James, Javaris James, and stepson Travis Ramar.

For many years, Al worked at Central Freight, North Forest High School, and CVS Pharmacy as a truck driver.

On May 28, 2025, Al entered the realm of eternity, joining those who went before him: his grandparents Adolphus and Mildred Godine; his mother and father, Betty J. Jackson and Lawrence Al James Sr.; his dear sister Vicky James Thomas; and stepsister Anita Barnes; aunts Jeannie Jiles, Marsha Godine, Marion Godine, Maurice Godine; and his uncle, Adolphus Godine Jr.

Left to honor his life and cherish his memory his former wife, Tonia James, remained devoted partners to their children: Marcus T. Irvin, Antoine James, Javaris R. James, and stepson Travis Ramar (Alicia); grandchildren: Marcus Irvin Jr., Sanaiya Irvin, Amari Irvin, Tylan Ramar, Travis Ramar Jr., and Brendan Gregory; brother Lee Jackson (Sabrina); mother-in-law Linda Irvin; nephews Dayvon Godwin, Lee Jackson, Carlton Hatton Jr., Donald Raphiel II (Chelsea); goddaughter Domonique Freeman (Arlando); nieces Leeah Jackson, Tiffany Thomas-Abner, Crystal Harris (Landis); Timia Baldwin; brother-in-law Roy L. Thomas; James Irvin (Lanika), Merisa Irvin, Chantell (Donald); daughter-in-law Whitney Irvin (Marcus Irvin); his favorite cousin Jill Flynn; his friends Robert Rocky Alexander, Darryl Reese, Amanda Aharham; and a host of other relatives and friends who will truly miss him.