James "Jimmy" Thomas Lauro

James “Jimmy” Thomas Lauro, age 73 of Pass Christian, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family in his beautiful home on Friday, August 11, 2023. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Joseph Lauro and Frances Nancy Romano Lauro; mother-in-law Carolyn Robinson and father-in-law James Robinson.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret Robinson Lauro; his children, Valerie Lauro (Todd) Leonard, and Anthony “Tony” Thomas (Emily) Lauro; grandchildren, Liam Lauro Nettles, Vivienne Michelle Leonard, Anthony James Lauro, and step-grandson Brennen Cole Leonard; uncle Thomas Romano and aunt Caroll Romano; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved English Bulldog Little Angel.

James was a graduate of LaSalle Academy in Providence, RI, where he was a champion wrestler.  He received his BS in Anthropology from Rhode Island College and continued on to graduate school receiving his Masters of Anthropology from Florida State University.  During the summers of his youth, you could find James in a lifeguard chair on Sandhill Cove beach or surfing the waves on the coast of Rhode Island.

In 1978, James accepted the position of Staff Archaeologist at MS Department of Archives and History.  Upon moving to Jackson, he met his beautiful wife, Margaret.  They started a family in Madison where James took great joy in raising his children. 

In 1988, James founded Archaeology Mississippi Inc. where he continued his professional career.  James enjoyed being an adjunct professor in Anthropology at Millsaps College.  One of his greatest passions was the sport of powerlifting in which he competed and later inspired and mentored many great athletes. 

In 2013, James and Margaret moved to the quaint coastal town of Pass Christian.  He spent many fun days with his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed watching his favorite football teams, the Florida State Seminoles and the New Orleans Saints. 

James’ legacy will live on through his family who loved and adored him.

GO NOLES!

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 141 Highway 90, Waveland, MS.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., with the Celebration Service at 3:00 p.m.  

Jimmy will then be laid to rest at Live Oak Cemetery in Pass Christian.