James E. "Jim" Lawrence

Mr. James E. "Jim" Lawrence, age 81, passed away Monday, December 31, 2007 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. He was born in Union Grove, AL on March 15, 1926 to Edward and Onie (Yancey) Lawrence and had lived in Muskegon since he was a young man. Jim was a veteran of the United States Navy and had served in WWII. He had been employed as a welder for SD Warren for over 40 years before retiring in 1991. Jim enjoyed his C.B. Radio and loved music; he sang lead vocals and played lead guitar for "Big Jim and the Rhythm Riders Country Western Band". In September of 1959, he married the former Maureen A. Miller and she preceded him in death in 1985. He is survived by 1 son, Larry Lawrence of Texas; 2 daughters, Denise A. (John) Swenson of Grand Rapids, MI and Johnell S. (Mark) Peterson of Sioux City, IA; 2 step-children, Gregory (Candy) Schelske, stationed in Turkey and Gayle Schelske of Hart; 9 grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Melvin (Dolly) Lawrence, J.C. (Martha) Lawrence; and 2 sisters, Katherine Whisenant and Francine (Paul) Edwards. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Lawrence and 1 step-son, Douglas Schelske. A MEMORIALS SERVICE will be held at 2PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 with Rev. Rodney Heykoop officiating.