James Patrick Laurence

James Patrick Laurence (Jim), 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 14, 2024 with his faithful dog, Darby, by his side. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 15, 1947. His family moved to Oklahoma City in the early 1950's.

 Jim attended high school at St. Gregory's in Shawnee and graduated from Bishop McGuinness high school in Oklahoma City. He attended Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, OK and graduated from University of Oklahoma, remaining a passionate OU football fan for life. He received his Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University in Dallas and after graduation he went to work for the Oklahoma County District Attorney's office. After a short time in private practice in Tulsa, he went to work for the US Attorney's office in Amarillo, TX. He later transferred to Dallas where he spent the rest of his career until his retirement. Jim was a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association for over 50 years. He proudly served his country in the Oklahoma National Guard as a JAG for many years. To the pleasure of his family, Jim moved back to Oklahoma City after he retired. 

  Jim's sharp sense of humor and his intellect is fondly recalled by his family and his many friends. He was always willing to help a family member or a friend with a problem. After retirement, he became interested in genealogy and developed an extensive family tree, finding several unusual connections in the process. He was an avid reader, especially of science fiction. He also loved going on cruises and also road trips across the country with the top down on his convertible. Jim loved his family and his friends and is leaving behind a plethora of wonderful memories. 

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Lawton L. Laurence and Mary C. (Sue) McConville Laurence. He is survived by his daughter, Haley, of San Francisco; Son, Jason, of Oklahoma City; and son, Lawton, of Chester Springs, PA along with Lawton's his wife, Sue, and Jim's adored grandchildren Landon and Sophia. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Podolec (Paul) and Mary Beadles (Tom) all of Oklahoma City, Niece, Theresa Orsburn (Houston), Nephew, Matthew Beadles, (Dover, NH) and he will be missed by many cousins and extended family and friends, 

Services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, North.