James D. Lawrence Jr.

James D. Lawrence, Jr.

October 28, 1951 - February 18, 2024

On Sunday, February 18, 2024, James D. Lawrence, Jr. lost his short hard-fought battle with cancer. Jim was born on October 28, 1951, in Butte, MT, to Jim and Ann (Mandic) Lawrence.

Jim graduated in 1970 from Butte High School. He went to MT Tech for a few years, worked for the Anaconda Company, and then in 1977 he went to work for Reardon Plumbing and Heating where he finished his apprenticeship in plumbing. Jim was a proud member of the Local 41 Plumbers and Pipefitters of Montana Union. In 1988 Jim worked for Walsh Plumbing and Heating and then in 1993 he started Brown Plumbing and heating with Joe Novack, and he retired in July of 2012. Him loved plumbing and loved his customers (including their dogs). He was Butte's favorite plumber and when it came to plumbing Jim knew his "stuff!"

Jim met the love of his live, Judy (Cobb) Lawrence, his senior year of high school. September 24, 2024 would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Jim and Judy went on to have two sons, Jay and Jory Lawrence. He loved his family and always made sure they were taken care of.

There may not be anyone that loved Butte as much as Jim!! He loved the outdoors, and all that Montana has to offer. When he wasn't working, he was snowmobiling, camping, motor bike riding, driving to Wise River or Jack Pot, or washing his trucks! Jim was a kind and caring person, and he made a lot of friends throughout his life and his adventures.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy; sons: Jay (Mickey) and Jory; grandchildren: Tanner, Tyler, Rella and Hudson, and his sister, Sharon Stewart (Jack) and Pam Shires (Jim). Jim is also survived by cousin and good friend, Bob Chamberlin (Pam); sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Mary Jo and Rick Wells and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws: Fred and Ruth Cobb and his dog, Moose.

Jim's family would like to thank his family and friends for all their support and a special thank you to Stillwater Hospice and his nurse Tina for the compassion she had for Jim.

A private entombment of ashes for family will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28th at Mountain view Cemetery Mausoleum and a celebration of life will be at noon at the Butte Country Club for family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Albert's Angel Fund, 699 Centennial Ave., Butte, MT 59701, a non-profit that helps animals (www.albertsangelfund.org) or to the Spreading Faith Foundation, PO Box 802 Watersmeet, MI 49969, a non-profit that helps children with chronic medical conditions (www.spreadingfaith.org). Express condolences at www.wayrynen-richards.com.