Laurie James

Laurie Lynne James, 59, of Knoxville, passed away on March 16, 2024, at her home. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Knoxville Church of the Nazarene. Laurie will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville immediately following services.

Laurie was born on August 11, 1964, in Albia, Iowa to Orval and Dorothy (Walter) Pottorff. She worked at Vermeer and as a teacher’s aide. The final stage of her career was spent at First Resources. Her genuine nature and ability to help and care for others made her a perfect fit. She spent her days helping people with various life challenges. Whether it was planning meals or activities, Laurie always made it her mission to help.

When she wasn’t working, Laurie had plenty of hobbies to keep herself busy. She enjoyed the outdoors, which made camping and fishing some of her favorite things to do. She could also be found tending to her garden or taking a walk with Kevin. Going to the races with her daughter, Amanda, was something she cherished. When she wasn’t enjoying the outdoors, Laurie was baking, sewing, or even working on crafts or making candles. Sometimes Laurie was just content watching TV with Kevin or playing with her Husky, Maya, or her geckos.

More than anything else, Laurie cherished her time with family. They meant the world to her. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She will be missed by those who loved her dearly.

Left to cherish Laurie’s memory are her husband of 39 years, Kevin; children, Joel (Ashley) James and Amanda James; grandchildren, Emma Minella, Kylie Minella, Jesse James, Harper James, and Scarlett James; brother, Kenneth; her sisters, Leanna, and Rebecca; and many nieces and nephews.

Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Denise Mason.

Memorials in Laurie’s name may be directed to Knoxville Church of the Nazarene.