James Earl Laws

Sinton –James Earl Laws passed away April 13, 2020. He was 64.

James was born on October 19, 1955 in Sinton, Texas to Walter and Marcella (Allen) Laws.  He was a resident of Sinton, Texas his whole life. James was a former police officer for the city of Sinton and most recently worked as a shipping agent at a refinery in Houston.  

The many accomplishments and Masonic Milestones of the Honorable James E. Laws, 33*, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council, started with his journey to seek the light in 1977 as a member of the Port City Lodge #1 under the jurisdiction of The Saint John Grand Lodge of Texas, Northers Jurisdiction, Austin, Texas. Once achieving a lifelong dream of becoming a member, he served every position in his Blue Lodge and Grand Lodge until finally becoming Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Joshua Grand Lodge of Texas in 2002. In the State of Texas, James held the following titles: Grand Master, Grand Patron, Thrice Puissant Grand Master, High Priest, Eminent Commander, Illustrious Commander in Chief and Illustrious Grand Potentate. Additionally, Honorable Laws served as State Deputy for each of the Upper Degree male Departments. To his credit, he is one of the few remaining Companions of the Roya Arch with the Past High Priest Degree. During his Travels, he has received numerous honors and served the craft in each of the higher degrees as a member of its leadership. His list of accomplishments and titles throughout the United Supreme Council are extraordinary to witness as noted:

Supreme Council of Grand Lodges:

Grand Master of the Year

Assistant Supreme Recorder

Supreme Secretary

Supreme Treasurer

Recipient of the Presidential Citation

Knights Templar:

Sir Knight of the Year

Recorder of the General Grand Encampment
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine:

Imperial Noble of Public Relations

Imperial Recorder

United Supreme Council:

Assistant Secretary

Minister of State

Prior

Puissant Lieutenant Sovereign Grand Commander

After this distinguished Masonic career, in August of 2015, James assumed the role of Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander after the passing of his beloved mentor, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander Honorable Charles H. Nelson, 33* and with the support of the United Supreme Council of Inspector Generals of the Southern and Western Jurisdiction, was elected to Serve a full term in July of 2016. Now serving his fifth year as The Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander.

James was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, nephew and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

Preceding in death are his father: Walter Haynes Laws; sister: Brenda Gayle Laws Baldwin; and grandmother: Ida Mae Allen.

Survivors include his wife: Patricia Hennigan of Sinton, Texas; son: Jeremy Javon Laws of Houston; daughters: Lori Lynn Laws of Killeen, Texas, Ashley Laws-De Leon (Gerardo) of Killeen, Texas and Jameria Laws of Texas City, Texas; grandchildren: Jordan Griggs Laws, Francisco “CJ” Laws Gonzalez, Jaidis and Jasani; mother: Marcella Laws of Sinton, Texas; sister: Sherri Laws Richardson (Glen) of Los Angeles, California; aunt and uncle: Marilyn and Tommy Ray Holiday of Sinton, Texas; special nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 16, 2020, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, Sinton. The Funeral Service will be Friday, April 17, 2020, 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Palms Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Taft.

Guests will be limited to 10 people at any given time.

Guestbook available on line at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.

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