It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. James C. Lawrence.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. James C Lawrence.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Friday, May 3, 2024 at Bethel M. B. Church, with burial at Southside Cemetery. Viewing will be 10 AM to 6 PM, Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Strong & Jones Funeral Home.

James was a lifetime resident of Tallahassee. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. he would join Bethel M.B. Church, where he served in varying leadership positions.

He attended Lucy Moten Demonstration School and earned his diploma from Florida A&M University High school. After graduating, he attended FAMCEE where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and went on to attain his Master's degree in Education from FaMU in 1959. In 1953, he served in the United States Army in the Artillery field and was honorably discharged in 1955.

In 1955, the City of Tallahassee appointed him to his initial position as Negro Supervisor over playgrounds, athletics, two recreation centers and the Jake Gaither Golf Course. He later became the Tallahassee Superintendent of the recreation division where he would remain until his retirement. James was recognized for his contributions to the city's recreation division with the renaming of Dade Street Recreation Center to the Lawrence-Gregory Community Center at Dade Street.

Left to carry on his legacy are two daughters, Mamie Johnson and Dail Fuller, Laurence); one son, Darrell Lawrence (Brenetta); one sister, Cherry Lawrence; six grandchildren, Shandrea Lawrence, Michael Stewart, Taurean Lawrence, Shannon Stewart, Marcus Lawrence (Amanda) and Donald Lawrence; five great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.