James R. Lawrence of Mount Kisco, had long career in maritime shipping

James R. Lawrence

James R. Lawrence, 70, died June 1 in Mount Kisco. He was with family and loved ones. His death came after a months-long battle with cancer.

Lawrence was born in New York City in August 1954 to Richard and Starr Lawrence. The family moved from Manhattan to Mount Kisco in 1955. He attended the Rippowam Cisqua and Harvey schools and later Milton Academy and Middlebury College, graduating in 1977.

After college he moved back to New York City. Following a stint at Art in America magazine he embarked on a lifelong career in international shipping, starting at Lloyd’s List before going on to found the publishing and events company Marine Money, the Connecticut Maritime Association, and the crisis communications company MTI Network. His family said he loved his work, the many people he worked with, and all the travel the jobs entailed.

Lawrence climbed some of the tallest mountains in Asia, Africa and North America. He kept bees and chickens, and made jams and pies and maple syrup for friends and neighbors and strangers. He regularly donated flowers and vegetables to local families through Neighbors Link. 

His family said he loved the Christmas season, attending holiday celebrations around the world. He was a world traveler, with favorite spots in Japan, Greece, Italy, Mexico and Jamaica that he would visit year after year. He also was a lifelong Yankees fan and maintained a weekly tennis group at Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club for over 30 years. He coached Bedford Youth Soccer and was a Girl Scout leader for his daughters. 

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Jill Owesny Lawrence; two daughters, Dr. Katharine Lawrence and Alexa Chia; two brothers, Richard and Philip Lawrence; his mother, Starr Oliver Lawrence; and four grandchildren.

A service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 85 East Main St., Mount Kisco on Thursday, June 19, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the Seamen’s Church Institute, at seamenschurch.org.