Jim Lawrence

James William "Jim" Lawrence, 69, died Oct. 21, 2015, at his business in Columbus. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Tony Proctor and Rev. Raigan Miskelly officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Saturday evening, at Memorial Funeral Home, and again 1 hour prior to the service, on Sunday, at the church. Mr. Lawrence was born August 15, 1946, in Columbus, to the late Roy Richard and Jewell Wallena Lann Lawrence. He was a graduate of Stephen D. Lee High School, Class of 1965, and Mississippi State University, 1970. He started his career in sales for Moore Business Forms in Clarksdale, and later Greenville, Mississippi. He then returned to Columbus where he was co-owner of Farmers Supply Store and later, owner of Lawrence Business Forms. He entered the car sales business when he opened Auto Mart Car Sales. Most recently, he owned/operated Auto Mart Towing and Recovery and Jim's Towing and Recovery. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, a head usher of the May/November team, and went on 2 church mission trips to Mexico. He was a monthly volunteer with Loaves and Fishes and enjoyed helping folks. He served six years in the MS Army National Guard. He was an active member and officer of T S Patterson Post 69 American Legion, MS District 4 Vice Commander and a member of the Generals Club. He was former State Commander of the Sons of the American Legion (SAL). As immediate former Commander of the 40 et 8, he was currently the MS representative to National (Cheminot). He bred and showed quarterhorses with his sons and enjoyed deer hunting, football, camping, and boating on the river. He was a past Little League Coach, and an active New Hope Service Club member, helping in the yearly Catfish Roundup for individuals with disabilities. His loved his family and was well-loved in return. He built his own house also having mechanical, electrical, and plumbing skills. Survivors include: his beloved wife of 47 years, Diane Burks Lawrence, and sons, James Randall "Randy" (Jenny) Lawrence, and William Andrew (Andy) Lawrence. Grandchildren are Elizabeth (David) Richardson, Noah Lawrence, Emma Kate Lawrence, Jonathan Lawrence, and Matt Lawrence, One brother, Richard (Dana) Lawrence, of Little Rock, Arkansas and several nephews and nieces. Pallbearers will be Bill Taylor, Billy Coleman, Brett Johnson, Charles Medley, Robert Martin, Kenny Pate, James Edwards, and Charles Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Younger, Billy Page, Randy Burris, Rich Richardson, Gary Kitchens, Tommy Patterson, Ron Roberts, Gordy Koenigsberger, Gary Holtman, Ken Kennedy and the Sojourners Sunday School Class, and the May/November Usher Team. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen P.O. Box 32 Columbus, MS 39703, or the charity of your choice.