James Stevens Lawless

On December 24, 2013 James Stevens Lawless "Jim" (82), also known as "DeeDee", said farewell to his earthly home in Boones Mill, Virginia and stepped into his eternal heavenly home. Jim was born in Welch, West Virginia to Jesse Peter Lawless and Hattie Frances (Dodson) Lawless. He grew up in West Virginia, where he met the love of his life Emma, his wife of 56 years. He was a graduate of Northfork High School, Class of 1950, and then received his Bachelor degree in Business Law & Accounting. Jim proudly served our country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1952-1960. He began his work career with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in Washington, DC in 1955 where he retired as an Assistant Section Chief in 1987. He received his Certificate of Ordination as a Deacon in 1968 in Forestville, Maryland. Jim was an active member of Boones Mill Baptist Church. Jim is survived by his wife, Emma; and two sons, Russell Lawless of Boones Mill, and Rodney Lawless (Tammy) of Callaway. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mike, Hobert, Ted and Mack Lawless; and sisters, Nora and Blanche. His sister, Gladys Simmons survives. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Amanda Lawless of Roanoke, Angie McGhee (Freddy) of Boones Mill, Tim Lawless (Megan) of Boones Mill, Rebecca Loan (James) of Callaway, and Tracy Weddle (Philip) of Callaway; eleven great-grandchildren, Emmaleigh Rose, Gabrielle Rose, Brittany McGhee, Rylan McGhee, Andrew McGhee, Laci Lawless, Brandon Mathena, Jessie Mathena, Christian Loan, Kylee Sink and Zoe Weddle also survive. Jim loved his family, gospel & bluegrass music, collecting clocks, and proudly displaying his passion for this country - he loved the American flag and all that it stands for! He enjoyed serving Boones Mill Baptist Church. Jim's church family held a special place in his heart. The family would like to thank the staff of Amedisys Home Health Care for all of the support, care and compassion; as well as the overwhelming love from many friends, relatives, and members of Boones Mill Baptist Church with their cards, visits, phone calls, food and much needed prayers. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 27, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA. Funeral service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Flora Funeral Chapel with Pastor, Dr. Richard Harrell officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boones Mill, Virginia. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount. 540-483-3835.