James Arthur Lawrence

James A. Lawrence, affectionately known as “Sergeant Lawrence”, “JameBoy,” “Grandpoppy,” “CLS” (Cleve Lawrence’s Son), “Jimmy,” “Cock-a-doodle-doo,” and “The Godfather,” passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 69.

Born on May 16, 1956, in Martin County, North Carolina, James was the twelfth of fourteen children and lived a life rooted in faith, service, family, laughter, loyalty, and love.

James proudly served honorably in the United States Army for 20 years in communications as a Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator and Maintainer. During his distinguished military career, he earned numerous awards, commendations, and honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar, Marksman Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver Bar. He was truly a decorated Army veteran who served his country with pride and dedication.

Following his retirement from the Army, James continued his years of dedication and hard work as a Mail Handler with the United States Postal Service, where he later retired as well.

James was a strong believer in Christ and believed deeply in treating people with kindness, respect, and usually a joke. One of his favorite sayings was, “It don’t cost a dime to speak to people.” He believed in showing up for others, treating people right, and carrying yourself with integrity. He did not argue with ignorance, but he also never tolerated it.

To know James was to love him. He was reliable, trustworthy, and a true man of his word. If he told you he was going to do something, he did it. If you needed him somewhere at 10:00 a.m., he would probably be there by 9:15 and make sure you were awake and ready by 8:00.

He was a passionate sports fan and proudly supported the Tar Heels, Lakers, Vikings, Orioles, and Aces. Though standing at 5’6 , he carried himself like a Lakers player. His Lakers jersey was always within arm’s reach in case he needed to “check in.”

He loved a good cigar, beautiful watches, a sharp outfit, and above all, making people laugh. James was a natural jokester.His daughter often introduced him as “the funniest person he knew” because he would start telling a joke and laugh so hard before he could finish it that everyone around him would end up laughing too. Half the time, nobody ever even heard the joke. Watching him laugh at himself was funny enough.

James always had advice to give, whether you asked for it or not. Somehow later in life, you would realize he had been right all along. His wisdom had a way of finding meaning exactly when you needed it.

Above all else, James loved his family deeply. To his children, he was simply “Dad” and “Daddy.” He was the true definition of a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, problem solver, and friend. Whatever you needed him to be, he was that, fully and wholeheartedly. His grandchildren adored him, and he adored them right back. To them, he was simply “Grandpoppy,” and he wore that title proudly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwendolyn Carol Lawrence; his parents, Cleve Lawrence and Sophia Lawrence “Moose”; and his siblings Emma Dean Lawrence, Hezekiah Lawrence, William Henry Lawrence “Bubba,” Oscar Lewis Lawrence “Beaver,” Ella Marie Lawrence “Ree,” Ervin Lawrence, and Donnie Lawrence.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Jamie Jones, and her husband, Curtis Jones, along with their children, Maddison Jones and Aubrey Jones; his son, Glenn Lawrence, and Glenn’s fiancée, Denise Battles, along with their children Christian Lawrence, Aaron Lawrence, Zaiquan Lawrence, Sierra Cooke, Toiniece Cooke, Antoine Cooke, and Bryson Cooke; and his son, Mikhail Reese, who proudly serves in the United States Navy.
He is also survived by his siblings Idonia Lawrence, Cleve Lawrence “Poobug,” Wallace Lawrence, Ronnie Lawrence, Betty Jean Lawrence, and Teressa “Loretta” Lawrence; Over the years, James formed lasting relationships that grew into family in every sense of the word. He treasured those bonds deeply and remained closely loved by his extended Jones and Edmondson family throughout his life.
; lifelong childhood friend Jessie Ward; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and all those fortunate enough to know and love him.

Though words could never fully capture who James was, one thing is certain: he was truly one of a kind. He was the kind of person who made you proud to know him. His love, wisdom, humor, loyalty, style, and unforgettable spirit will continue living on through every life he touched.
A viewing will be held on May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Aery Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Repass location to be announced