James "Jim" M. Lawrence

James Mathew Lawrence, 84, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends Monday, July 22, 2019.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, August 3, 2019, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Mankato with military honors following the Mass. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm, August 2, 2019 at Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N Riverfront Dr., Mankato and one hour prior to the service at the church. Private burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Madelia.

Jim was born December 14, 1934, in St. Paul, MN to Andrew and Marie (Bailey) Lawrence. The eldest of 8 children, he grew up in Belle Plaine, Amboy, and Madelia where he attended Mater Dolorosa Catholic School and graduated from Madelia High School in 1952. He married Louise McNamara in 1957 raising 6 children.

Jim worked 3 decades for Hale’s SuperValu in Madelia, retiring in 1987. After moving to Mankato, he became a delivery driver for the Home Magazine. Both careers gave him the opportunity to make new friends and share a good joke.

Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madelia and then St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato. He was recently awarded the Longest Living Member of the Madelia American Legion. Jim was an avid griller, winning local, state and national grilling contests. He enjoyed reading Minnesota authors and loyally followed the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Jim married Cindy Stokes in 2000. Together they shared their love of music, family and friendships. They enjoyed visiting family across the country and were blessed with many meaningful friendships.

Jim began playing music professionally with his father in the Andy Lawrence Orchestra in 1964; it later became the Jim Lawrence Orchestra. He blended his love of swing music and parades into one by putting the band on a trailer and performing at local parades as well as concerts and nursing homes. He marched 30 years with the St Peter Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps and was a member of the Mankato Area Community Band for 40 years.

Jim is survived by his wife Cindy, children: Elizabeth (Stewart) Ross, Fort Myers, FL, Frank, Miami FL, Mary (Steven) Dontje, Duluth, MN, Martha (Bill) Kelly, Jacksonville, OR, Edyth (Shawn) Narlock, Medford, OR, fourteen grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and siblings: Brian (Janet) Caldwell, ID, Rick (Jane) Mission Viejo, CA, Bob, Carlsbad, CA, Paul, Julian, CA, Mike (Annie) Madelia, MN, Jill (Tom) Victory, Bishop, CA.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry (Shorty); former wife, Louise; and son, Mathew.