The Preston-Hanley Story

James "Jim" Lawson

4/29/1944 - 7/23/2010

PEKIN ~ James J. "Jim" Lawson, 66, of 1822 Mitchell Street, passed away at 11:55 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2010 at his home.

Born April 29, 1944 in Vancouver, WA to Ray and Masie D. (Taylor) Lawson, he married Roberta A. "Bobbi" Dean on August 26, 1978 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Jimmy (Michele) Lawson and Chris (Darcy) Lawson, both of Pekin; two step-daughters, Traci (Tony) Scachette of East Peoria and Tammi (George) Andrae of Pekin; four grandsons, Garrett Lawson, Tristan Lawson, Marshall Lawson and Torrin Lawson, all of Pekin and six step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Luft, Michael Luft, George Andrae, Joli Andrae, all of Pekin, Samantha Scachette and Shaylee Scachette, both of East Peoria. He also leaves special friends, Connie and Larry Hoffert of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert Lawson and Ralph Lawson.

Jim worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 1994 as an inspector in Building SS in East Peoria. He also worked and was part owner of Walker Bros.

He was a member and past president of the Lake Arlan Homeowner's Association and a member of Pekin Moose Family Center 916. He was formerly a member of Pekin Elks Lodge 1271 and was formerly involved with both William Schaefer American Legion Post 44 and Tobin Nanninga Marine Corps League Detachment 85 in Pekin.

A fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs, Jim enjoyed watching NASCAR, boating and gardening. He was a small engine mechanic and was known as Mr. Fixit.

He was a very loving son, husband, father and grandfather and gramps.

His memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Monday, July 26 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Deacon Ernie Whited will officiate. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday. Cremation has been accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Harbor Light Hospice, 2000 W. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 18B, Peoria, IL 61615.