Jim Lawrence was a son, husband, father, grandfather, maritime entrepreneur and industry ambassador. He was a founding member of the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA), the CMA Shipping Conference, and maritime entrepreneur (Marine Money, MTI Network and International Marketing Strategies, Inc).
He served on the Boards of the CMA Education Foundation and the Seaman’s Church Institute. He is missed and remembered by so many.
“They say that a rising tide lifts all boats…. Jim was the tide. He was a force and if you were lucky enough to get pulled into his orbit, well it meant you were very lucky indeed.”
Joe Gross, d’Amico Shipping, Former CMA President
“Jim was so impactful in such diverse settings. Whether championing seafarers at a Seamen’s Church event, holding court during Marine Money, or climbing a mountain with colleagues, there were laughs to share, topics to debate, and connections to make. Beyond this, he was always willing to go the extra mile for someone. I will forever cherish the one-on-one lunches and coffees with Jim, where you selfishly benefitted from all his energy and wisdom. He was a wonderful sounding board, source of advice, and strong supporter. Friend, mentor, legend. Everlasting legacy”
Bart Kelleher, Ardmore Shipping Corporation
“Jim leaves a lasting legacy as a founder of CMA, Marine Money, and the MTI Network, and as a true leader in our industry. He was universally respected, widely admired, and always brought a positive spirit to those around him. He will be missed but never forgotten”
Per Heidenreich, Director, Investor, Philanthropist, CMA Commodore
“He led with a smile, a laugh, a compliment and a friendship. I was lucky to be the recipient of all that”
Peter Drakos, Peter G. Drakos, LLC and Former CMA President
“Jim wasn’t just a part of the maritime world- he helped build it. He was a true community builder, a visionary who created something far greater than himself…..His legacy will continue to shape our community, and his spirit will never be forgotten”
Sandi Ennor, Transparensea Fuels and Former CMA President
When asked who he would invite to dinner, Robert Bugbee, Scorpio Shipping and Former CMA Commodore said, “Finally, we need someone to be table host, help everyone gel and talk freely. That’s Jim Lawrence, an industry hero. He had tremendous love and empathy for not only the whole community but also for each person, whomever they may be. He brought us together and cheered us up in the worst of times and helped us celebrate the good times.”
“Jim Lawrence. Say that name in shipping finance circles and faces light up. Universally… Others have shared eloquent tributes that capture what Jim meant to our community. Every word rings true. All of it. May his memory be a blessing.”
Chris Aversano, Wood Mackenzie and Former CMA President
“Jim Lawrence was one of a kind. He was the sort of person you might meet once in your lifetime-if you’re very lucky. And we were all very lucky. Jim wasn’t just a founder or a leader. He was a force of positive energy. A friend who had inclusivity at the heart of his character. He was a believer in the potential of people and the importance of belonging. Jim was more thrilled by our accomplishments than by his own. He lifted up people. He lifted up companies. He lifted up an entire industry. He knew the value of a kind word, a helping hand and giving someone a little boost when they needed it. And he did it all with a remarkable spirit of lightness, warmth and fun. Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without Jim. … We have no doubt that Jim changed the arc of ship finance -a trillion-dollar business that carries 90% of international trade. But his personal legacy will endure even longer: the lives he touched, the kindness he shared, the global community he fostered, the special person he was”
Matt, Mike, Jonathan, Lorraine, Elisa, Cari, Andrea, Julia, Decklyn, Daniel, Mike, Mia, Kevin and Andrew, Marine Money
“Jim loved the maritime community, and he loved building community. He valued people, supporting education, making personal connections, championing others, sharing ideas, conversations, stories and knowledge. His boundless positive energy and enthusiasm were contagious. As we remember Jim’s impact on each of us, let us be reminded to ‘Be the things we loved most about the people who are gone”
Beth Wilson-Jordan, CMA Education Foundation
The CMA Education Foundation is truly grateful to all who have donated to make this annual scholarship to honor his legacy possible.
James Lawrence Obituary
James R. Lawrence, 70, died on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Mount Kisco, New York. He was with family and loved ones. His passing came after a months-long battle with cancer.
Jim was born in New York City in August 1954 to Richard and Starr Lawrence. The family moved from Manhattan to Mount Kisco in 1955. Jim attended the Rippowam Cisqua and Harvey schools and later Milton Academy and Middlebury College, from which he graduated in 1977. After college he moved back to New York City, where following a stint at Art in America magazine he embarked on what would be 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. He loved his work, the many people he worked with, and all the travel the jobs entailed.
Some other things Jim — Jimmy, Jingo — loved: his countless friends, his beautiful home in Mount Kisco, projects of any kind, Block Island, his dogs, swimming and body surfing, Parcheesi and hearts. He 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. His gardens were a bounty of flowers and vegetables, which were regularly donated to local families in need through Neighbors Link. He took his mother to church every Sunday.
He walked 10,000 steps every day. He painted a watercolor every day. His pool was open from April to November, and for those months he swam every day. He loved the Christmas season, decorating his house in elaborate light displays, attending holiday celebrations around the world, and ensuring everyone stocking was bursting with gifts. He was a world traveler, with favorite spots in Japan, Greece, Italy, Mexico, and Jamaica that he would visit year after year. He was a lifelong Yankees fan.
He built an impressive wine collection in his basement. He 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. He loved his family more than anything. He filled his life to the brim.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Owesny Lawrence, and two daughters, Dr. Katharine Lawrence and Alexa Chia, as well as his two brothers, Richard and Philip Lawrence; his mother, Starr Oliver Lawrence; and his four grandchildren, Oliver James and Robinson Chia, and Starr and Lazar Tatarinov, who will remember Baba every time we have an adventure.
