James G. Lawrence

James G Lawrence, 87, passed away at the Veterans Home in Scarborough Maine on Wednesday April 30, 2025. James was the first born son of Elmer Samuel and Nina Maxine (Brandenburg) Lawrence. He was born in Dublin, Indiana. Once he graduated from High School, he left home to join the US Navy. He worked in communications while serving his country. The Navy brought him to Brunswick Naval Air Station. One fateful night, he decided to go to a dance with some navy buddies. In those days, proper etiquette was to dress up in a shirt and tie for a dance. Not Jim. He wore khaki pants and a flannel shirt. A young lady by the name of Doris Gagnon caught his eye that evening. She was not impressed with his attire. He, however, would not take no for an answer. Less than a year later these two were married. Crazy to think they married on December 27, 1958, two days after Christmas he would often say. Married life brought them two daughters Susan in 1960 and Lisa in 1963. Jim left the navy after serving 4 years and went to work at the Saco Tannery, Components Inc, Prescott Metal, Haley's Sheet Metal and eventually Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The stories and the sound effects were legendary. He retired from PNSY in 1998.
Jim loved to travel, especially his 30 plus trips to Aruba and his summer trips to North Conway. Jim would often talk of his adventures, making sure his families were included either physically or in spirit. Family was the highlight of his existence. He really loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The hugs and kisses he gave to them were so heartfelt. He talked about how proud he was of each of his grandchildren, having one of his grandsons follow in his footsteps becoming an officer in the US Navy. He had only one granddaughter which made her very special. He was so happy to have twin grandsons. The first born grandson brought him lots of happy memories. Each of his grandchildren had a special bond with their Pepere. Jim was a fixture at his grandchildren's sporting events even traveling to Norwich University and Maine Maritime Academy to support their respective teams.
Jim loved to dance, especially to CCR's version of Proud Mary and Tina Turner's What's Love got to do with it. As a young man, he often went dancing, even teaching his daughters how to properly waltz. That man could dance! He even watched Dirty Dancing over a dozen times with one of his grandsons.
The family would like to thank the Cohen Center for the quality time he spent there. He often talked about how busy he was every time he went. We also want to thank the B unit at the Veterans Home for the superb care you provided. He passed with grace and dignity.
James was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Nina Lawrence, his brothers Jerry and Rick Lawrence. He is survived by his wife Doris Lawrence, his daughter Susan and her husband Timothy Gagnier and his daughter Lisa along with her husband Roger Hevey. His brother Rodney Lawrence (Peggy) of Arizona. His grandchildren Gabrielle and Brandon Gagnier (Tina) as well as Christopher (Hope), William (Cody) and Jordan (Chandler) Hevey. He leaves behind his great grandchildren Mason and Daniel Gagnier as well as Tuckerman, Mackworth, Cassin, Laura, Willow, Joseph, Beau and Dylan Hevey.
Visitation will be held at Hope Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 9th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM with a funeral outside of Mass at 1:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in James' name to St James School, 25 Graham St, Biddeford, Maine 04005.