Obituary: James Clark Lawless

James Clark Lawless, 81, formerly of Mount Lebanon, Pa., died on Oct. 8, 2019. Mr. Lawless had recently been diagnosed with cancer. His children, Mark and Jody, and other family members had been by his side during his illness.

Born on Dec. 18, 1937, he was the only son of James and Marian Lawless of Montclair. He played basketball at Montclair High School.

After graduation from Montclair High and Bucknell University, he moved to Mount Lebanon, where he began his sales career in the insurance industry.

Mr. Lawless worked in a senior executive position at Lincoln National Life and later as a senior group sales executive at Coordinated Benefits in Bridgeville.

He was active as an adult leader in what was then known as the YMCA Indian Guides, as well as the Cub Scouts and Bower Hill Community Church. In more recent years, he treasured his summer beach vacations with friends and family and playing endless matches of tennis year-round on the Mount Lebanon courts.

He was predeceased by his wife, Judith (Judy) Kiesler, and his parents.

Mr. Lawless is survived by his daughter Jody Adams and her husband Frank, of New York, N.Y.; his son, Mark Lawless and his wife Trisha, of Mars, Pa.; and five grandchildren Kathryne Adams, Nicole Adams, Trevor Adams, Ashley Lawless, and Kaitlyn Lawless.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Bower Hill Community Church in Mount Lebanon, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Good Samaritan Hospice via Concordia Lutheran Ministries, 134 Marwood Rd Cabot, P.A. 16023, or by email at giving@concordialm.org.

Arrangements entrusted to William Slater II Funeral Service. Condolences may be left at slaterfuneral.com.