James Robert Lawrence

James was born on February 23, 1936 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to Columbus Jordan Lawrence and Lillie Bernice Martin Lawrence. James graduated from Sand Springs High School and received his associate degree in accounting from the Oklahoma School of Accounting. He served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He met Patricia Steele while in the army and they married in Tulsa on September 1, 1961.

James is survived by his wife Patricia Lawrence of Plano, Texas; his two children Lisa Lawrence and Lori Porter, and Lori’s husband Scott Porter of Frisco, Texas; and his two grandchildren, Hannah Porter and Hayden Porter.

James spent most of his working life as an accountant, specializing in oil and gas and farm commodity accounting. From 1994 until his retirement in 2003, he worked at the Environmental Protection Agency in Dallas, where his intelligence, knowledge, and attention to detail were highly valued.

James was also blessed with artistic and musical talents that he used in service to the Spirit. He was a gifted drawer and painter, and he filled his home with song. While living in Edmonson, Texas, he sang at the First Baptist Church every Sunday, whether in the choir, as a soloist, or as the music leader. James also wrote devotional studies of scripture and was ordained a deacon of the First Baptist Church Edmonson in 1981.

Above all, James treasured his family; he was an extraordinarily devoted husband, father, and grandfather who selflessly gave everything he had to nurture and protect those close to him. His every word and deed was dedicated to Love. James believed, as he once wrote, that “Love is the center of all Life; every Soul has an unmeasurable capacity for Love.”

A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, located at 3900 Rowlett Road, Rowlett, Texas 75088.

Dr. Craig Curry of the First Baptist Church of Plano will officiate.

Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano, Texas has charge of arrangements.