Reflections

James LeRoy Lawe was born September 28, 1951, near Velasco, Texas, to Lester and Alice (McIntyre) Lawe. He was the youngest of three children. James had two sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest sister Audrey (Lawe) Floyd of Wichita, Kansas.

His family moved to Wichita, Kansas where he attended school. He belonged to the Odd Fellows Lodge in Wichita. He joined the Navy receiving an Honorable Discharge after four years of service. James is a certified carpenter and taught himself how to read music and play the guitar. He has played the guitar since he was a child.

James was an active member of Grace Christian Fellowship Church for 12 years, where he played the lead guitar. He spent a short time at Christ Centered Ministries where his faith and walk with the Lord was nurtured by Pastor Cedric Smith, who also became a dearly beloved friend and mentor. James had strong interests in reading sci-fi books, historical documentaries and current events. James enjoyed reading and studying music. He loved to bow-hunt and fish, truly an avid outdoorsman. James was an outstanding guitarist; he took his guitar playing very seriously. A perfectionist most would agree, but that was his way to worship the Lord and he did just that until his body betrayed him and took his gift. He loved and respected all his band mates down through the years and greatly appreciated their talent, which pushed him to work harder on his own.

James was considered a Master Carpenter by his peers and could build anything with wood. His work was impeccable, if he fixed it, it was fixed for good. His love of history and current events made him an interesting conversationalist. He had many stories from his life that he loved to share. His humor was dry, as was his wit. He was a very wise man that loved his family and did his best for us all. He was a fighter like none I’ve ever seen and his determination was unchallenged.

His legacy for his family is learning to love without condition and to forgive all. To be strong enough to release all the people and things that was sent to destroy you and move forward. He believed we should not allow bitterness, hatred, anger and unforgiveness to consume you. These things will cause you to miss out on too much in life, which is just too short to dwell in negativity. His desire was #letlovewin.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Carla of thirteen years, Sister, Vivian Stanaland (Sam) Phil Campbell, Alabama; sons, James A. Lawe (Tracie), of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kenneth Lawe, of Cartersville, Georgia, daughters Tammy Pickens (Matthew) Wichita, Kansas, Whitney Lawe of Pueblo, Colorado, Kristin B. Washington (Everett) Kansas City, MO., Samuel R. Dorris (Nikki) and Caleb M. Dorris, of Seattle, WA., and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Christian Fellowship, 3721 Paseo Blvd., Kansas City, MO  64129, on Saturday December 9, 2017 at 3:00 pm.