Jim was born in Rockwood, Tennessee on September 23, 1934 to the late Will Edd and Ruth Ellison Lawrence. He was a 1953 graduate of Rockwood High School and graduated from John A.Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville in 1956. Jim has served as a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1956. He has been a resident of the Chattanooga area for the past 40 years. Jim was a longtime employee with Chattanooga Funeral Home where he retired in 2011. He was a member of Hickory Valley Christian Church.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jerita S. Lawrence; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Lisa Lawrence, Jr.; grandchildren, Matthew and Emily and great granddaughter, Faith; brothers, Joseph H. (Rose) Lawrence and Thomas E. Lawrence; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday at the North Chapel.
Graveside services for Jim will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday at Monte Vista Burial Park, 1900 Oakland Ave, Johnson City, TN 37601 with Minister Lamar Garrison officiating.
The family has asked that memorial contributions be made in Jim’s name to Hickory Valley Christian Church at 6605 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.