Lawrence (Jesse) Edward James, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on May 29, 1939, in his childhood home in Collinsville, Illinois, to Bertha E. James and Ralph B. James. Lawrence lived a life full of love, joy, and laughter.

Lawrence was one of 14 siblings. He is preceded in death by his siblings Nina James, Connie James, Bill James, Ralph "Bud" James, Tiny James, Harold "Gary" James, June (James) Wedesky, Wendell James, Charlie James, and Pat (James) Haller. He is survived by his siblings Lottie (James) Martin, Larry James, and Doug James, who will all deeply miss his presence.

Lawrence was married to the love of his life, Frances Maxine (Smith) James, for many wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with family, music, and countless cherished memories.

Lawrence was known for his deep love of family. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones and never met a stranger. He was always cutting jokes and making everyone laugh, a true life of the party. Many called him "Jesse," a name that reflected his charming personality and larger-than-life presence. One of his greatest passions was music—Lawrence sang and played his guitar throughout his life. He even wrote and recorded some of his own music, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and love for song. He also enjoyed playing cards, a pastime that brought friends and family together in countless memorable gatherings. Lawrence was truly one of a kind and cherished by many.

Lawrence was a devoted father to three children: Jack Robert James, Wesley Frank James, and DeAnna Maxine (James) Humphrey. He was blessed with five grandchildren: Jaclyn Nicole James, Dylan Thomas James, Cody James Duff (whom Lawrence was deeply saddened to lose on December 20, 2021), Kaley Maxine Humphrey, and Payten Renee Humphrey. He also cherished his great-grandchildren: Steven Jay Hart III, Olivia Marie Cundiff, Kenzi Fae James, Emberly Faith James, Layne Austin Campbell, and Anakin Oliver Brown.

In addition to his immediate family, Lawrence is survived by several nieces and nephews whom he loved: Pete James, Loretta, Cindy Diettrich, Sally, David James, Kathleen (Wedesky) Shadwick, Laurie James, Becky James, Kevin Martin, Nate James, Monty Haller, Vallerie (James) Groeteka, Jean van Voorst, Mark James, Howard James, Toni (Wedesky) Casey, Dana (James) Cates, Keith Martin, Laura (James) Sisson, Manuel Haller, Tim James, Charlene, Yvonne (James) Berroth, Frank James, Pete Wedesky, Kristi James, Kent Martin, John James, Steve James, Mindy (James) Erlinger, Darren James, Paul Wedesky, Lisa James, Mike James, Anna Wedesky, Matt James, and Marlyn (Wedesky) Winston. He is also survived by many additional great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Lawrence's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories, songs, and remember the man whose spirit touched so many lives.

Lawrence's legacy of love, humor, music, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be missed dearly but never forgotten.