James M. "Jimmy" Lawrence

1937 - 2016

James M. "Jimmy" Lawrence

James M. Lawrence (Jimmy), 78, beloved citizen and funeral director, died on 1 February 2016 at his residence.

Mr. Lawrence was born on 2 September 1937, in Jackson, Madison, TN, making his home there his entire life.  He was the son of the late Fred K. Lawrence, Sr. and Alberta Lohrig Lawrence.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Katherine Lawrence Hurt Moore; brother, Fred K. Lawrence, Jr. and sister-in-law Barbara Taylor Lawrence; his very special uncle and aunt George and Dolas Lohrig with whom he lived for many years.

Jimmy graduated from Beech Bluff High School.  He began his life long career, with 59 years in the funeral business, at Griffin Funeral Home in Jackson.  While at Griffin Funeral Home, he served as Madison County coroner for two years. He later joined William Lanier and Bradley Sorensen at Lanier Funeral Home.  On 1 December 1969, Jimmy and Bradley purchased Lanier Funeral Home and Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home became a leading funeral home in Jackson.

Mr. And Mrs. Minton Replogle, dear family friends, entrusted him Replogle Funeral Home in Medina, TN continuing service as Replogle-Lawrence Funeral Home.

He was a licensed funeral director and in 2007 the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association recognized him for 50 years in funeral service.  Jimmy had been a member of Jackson Chapter of DeMolay, Tennessee National Guard and had twenty years perfect attendance in the Jackson Rotary Club. He was a member of Jackson Elks 192.  Jimmy had lived in the Maple Grove Community for 64 years and was often referred to as their mayor.

Jimmy is survived by his sister, Jane Gilley of Jackson; and niece, Jennifer Gilley of Medina; his nephew, Danny Hurt (Christi); great nephews, Eli, Ethan and Ellis Hurt; his great niece, Emelia Hurt all of Pegram, TN; his brother-in-law, Nathan (Buddy) Moore of Jackson. 

Pallbearers to serve:  Josh Englert, Barry Bland, John Sorensen, Brandon Yarbrough, Billy Goss, Kevin Matlock, Clayton White, and Norris Ross. Honorary Pallbearers: William Eddings, Ernest Reeves, Roger Reedy, and Bill Bishop. 

Visitation with family at Replogle-Lawrence Funeral Home, in Medina, on 4 February 2016, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Visitation with family at Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home, in Jackson, on 5 February 2016, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.           

Funeral service at Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home, in Jackson, on 6 February 2016, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Gerald Smith and Rev. Tim Sanderson officiating.  Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery in Jackson.

Jimmy's family wants to thank everyone for many prayers, visits, flowers, cards, his caregivers at Home Instead Senior Care and many other acts of kindness. We are very grateful for everyone's love and support during this time.

Jimmy would want any memorials made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. 

The family would like to share with everyone the following article published in the The Jackson Sun, October 25, 2003

Hearts to Jimmy Lawrence of Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home.  He is a caring, sensitive, understanding friend in need.  His kindness and big heart were a blessing when my sister, Doris Houck, died recently.

Our family is small with few resources, but Jimmy handled everything with compassion and love, and greatly eased the way for us. I think people should know about the wonderful man who lives among them. I will always remember. Thank you Jimmy. Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home, 731-424-2424