Sanford James ‘Jim’ Lawrence, 87, of North Platte, NE, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.
Jim was born June 29, 1928, to Tollie and Zoe Brickell Lawrence in Omaha, NE. Jim grew up in Cheyenne, WY and spent a lot of time with his Brickell grandparents in Fort Collins, CO. In 1946 Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served until November of 1947.
Following his discharge he returned to Omaha where his parents lived and married Joanne Rich in 1949. They lived in Omaha until the summer of 1969 when they moved to North Platte. Jim and Joanne later divorced. Jim worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne, Omaha and North Platte until he retired in 1992 as Conductor.
In 1983 Jim married Joanne Marie Weber at Cheyenne, WY and they made their home in North Platte. Joanne taught 2nd grade and Jim helped by doing lots of artwork for her class. Joanne passed away in 2009 after a battle with cancer.
On February 13, 2013, Jim was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Hanna in North Platte where they lived. He enjoyed golfing, swimming, fishing and camping. Jim was a “master of many trades” and a very talented artist.
Jim was active in the North Platte community. He volunteered at the Golden Spike, served on the North Platte Veteran’s Honor Guard and was a volunteer Bingo caller at the Senior Center. He was also a member of Platte Valley Masonic Lodge #32 AF&AM, North Platte Shrine Club, Tehama Shrine Temple, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion and U.T.U.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, of North Platte; his children, James K. Lawrence, of Bellevue, NE, Tim (Shirley) Lawrence, of Lonoke, AR, Mark (Mona) Lawrence, of North Platte, and Kathy Hedgepeth-Gold (Rick), of Cibolo, TX; stepchildren, Paul (Nicole) Morland and Jennifer (Shane) Roebuck, all of North Platte; his sister, Virginia Goyer, of Omaha; and sisters-in-law, Jean Richers, of St. Francis, KS, Ruth (Jerry) Gotchall, of Torrington, WY, and Linda (Stan) Orth, of Colby, KS.
Survivors also include 11 grandchildren, Kimber (Amy) Lawrence, Victoria Lawrence-Burroughs (Chris), Bryan (Rena) Lawrence, Amy (CW) Schonemann, David (Dustia) Lawrence, Devon (Jeff) Griffiths, Danial (Jessica) Lawrence, Derek (Lindsay) Larson, Josh Hedgepeth, Whitney (Brad) Schunek and Chris Hedgepeth; four step grandchildren, Halsey and Seneca Morland and Kimberly and Joseph Roebuck; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
Along with his wife, Joanne, Jim was preceded in death by his son, David Lynn Lawrence; parents, Tollie and Zoe; and brother-in-law, Kenny Richers.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Monday, October 19, 2015, at the Riverside Baptist Church with Pastor Dwane Johnson officiating. Inurnment with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the North Platte Senior Center or North Platte Shrine Club. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.