James D. "Jimmy' Lawrence, 67. in the arms of his loving wife and surrounded by his family', went peacefully to be with his Lord on June 12, 2015, after his battle with cancer.
Jimmy was born June 2, 1948 in Iowa, to Charles and Doris (Radine Ludwig) Lawrence He grew up in Bakersfield, and was the first graduating class of Foothill High School, then worked many years in the oilfields as a crane operator. Loving the beach and being able to work side by side with his wife Karen, they took up motel management along the beautiful central coast. Twelve years later they returned to Bakersfield to manage Payless Mini Storage. The next job adventure led them to Kernville where they owned and operated a successful concession business, "The Dog House." Jimmy loved meeting and conversing with the many tourist and locals that frequented their places of business throughout the years.
Jimmy will be remembered as the "go-to guy" for a voice of reason, kindness and understanding. He was a wealth of information when it came to local news, current events, weather and road reports. His day began with a cup of coffee and the newspaper and then jeepin' down and around the lake with one of his many lifelong friends, Boyd and many an evening cocktail on the porch with his "compadre" Eddie.
Racing was a huge part of Jimmy's life. A loyal fan at the Bakersfield Speedway as a kid, later building stockcars and racing the circuit to building top fuel dragster engines with his buddies. One of his favorite past times was watching Nascar and sprint car races then hashing over the outcome with his sons. Most treasured were the times spent relaxing on the porch overlooking the lake and mountains with his wife and beloved dog Bear.
He was predeceased by his parents and brother in law, Al Montes. Jimmy was a faithful, loving husband and best friend to Karen, his wife and soul mate of 35 years, father to, Michael and Darin Lawrence and Andrea Nevison (his Baby Bug); grandfather to Brett, Breanna, Bailey, Brooke and Nicole Lawrence, Jason Beckhart, Noah and Kameron Avery; great grandfather to 5; brother to devoted sisters, Judy Rains and Janice Montes; uncles, Leland and Eddie Lawrence; father in Law, Paul Nevison (Mr. P); in laws, Paula and Iain Cochrane, June and Wade Ortman, MaryAnn and Ed Saling, Chris and Julie Nevison and numerous extended family.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Optimal Hospice in Lake Isabella and to MaryAnn and Ed for their undying love and support, during these most intimate times.
A private service for Jimmy will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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