James Garfield Laws Jr - Obituary

James Garfield Laws, II transitioned on September 18, 2023 after a lengthy illness. He was born on February 24, 1954, in Jamaica, NY; the first child of the late Elvira Freeman Laws and James G. Laws, Sr. James never wanted to be referred to as “Junior”, he was always “the Second.” At an early age he was baptized and spent his formative years as a member of Brooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Jamaica, NY. At Brooks, James was involved in many youth activities, including Youth and Young Adult Choirs; Youth Usher Board; Children’s, Youth and Young Adult Fellowships and Boy Scouts. It was also during these early years, by watching and helping his father, that James developed his love for cars, which would remain with him throughout his lifetime. James made numerous special friends while growing up with whom he would remain friends well into adulthood. Once James was your friend he would bend over backwards to help in any way needed. James was educated in the New York City School System. Upon graduation from Brooklyn Technical High School he attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. It was while at Howard that he began working for C&P Telephone Company, which later became Verizon. James would have a lengthy and successful career at Verizon, retiring after 30 years. In 1980, James married the former Sharon Morse. To this union his two children were born, Daniel Christopher and Erin Ashley. He was a truly dedicated father to his children. James was never one to sit and be idle, following his retirement he embarked on several work activities using his numerous skills, which included working at CarMax and providing consulting services based on knowledge gained during his many years at Verizon. James’ greatest love, however, aside from his children, was cars, particularly BMW’s. This passion led him to over 20 years of involvement in the BMW Club, through which he also met other car enthusiasts and made longtime friends. Starting in 2005, he became Chapter Vice President, Membership Committee Chair. As a car enthusiast, later in 2010, he became a Lead Concours Judge for Southeast Sharkfest. It was an annual gathering devoted to the enjoyment of BMW big coupes from the 1960's models up until present day. James also became a member of the Developmental Roundtable Upward Mobility (DRUM) which is a non-profit foundation focused on creating educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth. He leaves to cherish his memories his son and daughter, Daniel Christopher of Washington, D.C. and Erin Ashley of Laurel, MD, his brother and sister, Elliott Laws of Vienna, VA and Christine Laws-Green (Jacoby) of Charlotte, NC, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving relatives and many caring friends.