James H. "Jim" Lawrence (86) of Effingham
Published on January 12 2023 8:05 am
James H. “Jim” Lawrence, 86, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at his home in Effingham.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with Pastor Roger Marshall officiating. Burial will follow in Henton Cemetery in Shelby County. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to the time of service, Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be given to Gideons or to the First Baptist Church in Effingham.
Jim was born June 21, 1936 in Beecher City, the son of Kermit and Berniece (Devore) Lawrence. He married Mary Mose on September 8, 1957 and she preceded him in death in 1987. Jim then married Melba J. Bartels on May 19, 2000 and she survives. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Effingham. Jim worked at Oliver Implement in Shelbyville, assisted area farmers during seasons of planting and harvest, and at Firestone Tire Company until his retirement.
Jim is survived by his children, Terry (Sherry) Lawrence of Gladewater, TX, Steve (Mary) Lawrence of Mattoon, Richard (Tracy) Lawrence of Springfield, and Lori (Brian) Ashe of Mattoon; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Walter (Mary Ann) Lawrence and Wayne (Linda) Lawrence, both of Water Valley, KY; sisters, Janet (James) Donaldson of Altamont and Bonnie (Steve) Watkins of Dieterich.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary, and son, Jimmy Lawrence.