James (Jim) Harold Lawrence, Jr.

James (Jim) Harold Lawrence Jr. departed this world for the next on September 25, 2013, after a brief illness. He passed away at home surrounded by family.  Jim was born on February 9, 1932 in Beatrice, Nebraska. He met Jane Matthews on the campus of Texas Technological College and married her in 1955.  He earned a PhD. in Mechanical Engineering and taught Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University. He was a true educator and challenged his students. His Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics students will fondly remember him as a tough but talented teacher. He acted as Chairman of the Mechanical Engineering department for a number of years and was employed of Texas Tech for more than 40 years. Jim was active in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers organization both at the national and local level, where he mentored many students. An avid fly fisherman, who spent summer vacations in southern Colorado on the Conejos River, Jim always held the annual record for first, biggest and most fish. He passed along this passion to his family.  As all good fishers are he was persistent, curious, patient, consistent and faithful.  These were the guideposts for his life, whether at work or with family. He attended and was active in the Methodist Church for most of his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; James H. Lawrence, Sr. and Doris Lawrence.  He is survived by his loving wife Jane; daughters, Jenny Lawrence Young and her husband Craig, Julie Lawrence Richards and her husband Mike; grandchildren; Josh Young and his wife Lisa; Melissa Ackors, Reed Young, Katie Richards and Elizabeth Richards; brother Dr. Kent Lawrence Sr and his wife Carol Lawrence of Arlington.  Jim was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great grandchild, William James Young.  

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate Jim’s life on Saturday September 28, 2013 at the Kent R. Hance Chapel on the campus of Texas Tech University.  The family will receive visitors immediately after the service at a reception to be held at the Livermore Center at the College of Engineering.  

 In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to: The Ever Living Trust, First United Methodist Church, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas 79401; Hospice of Lubbock, 3702 21^st Lubbock, Texas 79410, or Texas Tech University Foundation, James H. Lawrence Jr. Endowed Scholarship, Box 43103 Lubbock, Texas 79409-3103.

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