Obituary of James Lawrence

James Earl Lawrence of Cambridge, MN died peacefully at his home after a courageous eighteen month battle with cancer. He died on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the age of 78. Jim was born on September 5, 1931 to Earl and Evelyn Lawrence on the family farm in Comfort Township near Henriette, MN. Jim attended Rural School through the 8th grade and graduated from Pine City High School. Jim was an independent livestock hauler until 1954 when he was drafted into the U.S. army. He was stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jim returned home for a short leave during which he married Betty Ann Davis at the Methodist Church in Mora, MN on August 12, 1955. Betty joined him in Fairbanks and he was honorably discharged in May, 1956. After returning home to Minnesota they lived in Minneapolis where they had four children. Jim drove truck for Red Owl until 1961. He then worked for Super Valu in Hopkins until his retirement in 1993. In 1964, Jim moved his family to Cambridge where he became involved in the community in many ways. He was an active member of the American Legion where he served many years on the Executive Board and the Color Guard. He was also a member of the Forty and Eight. Many years were spent as a volunteer caretaker and coordinator of the Legion Youth Cabin which was used by many different youth groups throughout the extended area. Jim was a charter member of the Cambridge Curling Club and was a member of the first Bonspiel Championship team at the Cambridge Curling rink. He spent many years "Skipping" his own team. Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church where he served on the Trustee Board. He worked on several houses for Habitat for Humanity. In his free time, Jim enjoyed taking care of his yard, his garden and his raspberries, but most of all he treasured the time spent with his family and friends. Jim is survived by his wife Betty, his children Colleen (Ron) Jansen of Foley, Mike (Sue) Lawrence of Cambridge, Barb (Jeff) Aumock of Princeton, and Doug (Patty) Lawrence of Mounds View; twelve grandchildren Ryan, Carrie, and Nick Jansen, Sammie and Katie Lawrence, Jason (Larissa) Aumock, Nikki (Dustin) Newman, Emily Watson and Eric (Tiffany) Watson, Keith, Janelle and Megan Lawrence; six great grandchildren Caylee, Bryce, Jarrett, Molli, Myles, and Tyson, two sisters Joy (Gene) Chollett of Princeton and Eileen (Larry) Voss of Ogilvie; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Jim's smile and sense of humor will be remembered by all who loved and knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen Seline and his brothers Bob, Dan and Roger Lawrence.