James C. Lawrence, age 77, of Syracuse passed away at his home on August 18th. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. and M.A. in Classics. Before doing graduate work at Brown University, he studied piano and organ with famous keyboard performers Olga Conas, Wayne Fisher, and Marcel Dupré.
Jim began his career teaching Classics at LeMoyne College, and then became Chair of the World Language department at Manlius Pebble Hill School, where he taught Latin, Greek and French from 1968 until his retirement in 2006. He was the recipient of numerous Fulbright fellowships and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. For many years he was a well-known classics lecturer and guide for the Vergilian society. He was a communicant at the Church of the Savior (Episcopal), where starting in 1968 he served as Organist and Choirmaster. A talented scholar and educator, he is fondly remembered for his kind demeanor, quick wit, and for his love of languages, music, and world travel. His legacy remains in those who were influenced by these wonderful gifts he shared.
Jim is survived by his sister, Sharon Lawrence, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and her three children Dana, Eric, and Cheri Depenbrock. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Savior, 437 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203 on Saturday October 14th at 10:00 a.m., with a small reception to follow. His family will be there to greet Jim’s friends, colleagues, and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Church of the Savior or to the Rugh/Lawrence Classics Chair Endowment Fund at Manlius Pebble Hill School.