James Lawson

James Ray “Jim” Lawson, age 84 of Beardstown, died Monday, August 28, 2017 at his home.

He was born March 26, 1933 in Hardin, the son of Trent and Marian Grigsby Lawson. He married Evelyn Wilschetz on June 4, 1955 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Brussels, and she survives.

Also surviving are his five children Rick (wife Stephanie) Lawson of Beardstown, Debbie (husband Adin) Sloan of Gilbert, AZ, Jan (husband Mike) Moore of Rushville, Evie (husband Dan) Conrad of LaGrange, MO, and Jeff (wife Vici) Lawson of Beardstown; ten grandchildren Rick (wife Kelley) Lawson, Justin (wife Randi) Lawson, Dean (wife Amy) Sloan, Rebecca (husband Steve) Fisher, Brian (wife Chasity) Moore, Jim (wife Kristen) Moore, Jennifer (husband Nick) Briney, DJ Conrad, Luke (wife Ashely) Conrad, and Jessica (husband Chris) Cornwell; 20 great grandchildren Jansen, Cameron, Ty, Hallie, and Harper Lawson, Morgan and Drayke Sloan, Hank Fisher, Ashtyn Smith, Jett, Payton, Paige, Piper, and Paisley Moore, Will Briney, Tatem, Clare, and Norah Conrad, and Kennedy and Melody Cornwell; four sisters Pat Freeburg of Grand Junction, CO, and Trenna Lawson, Cherrie Gibson, and Kristi Kroeger all of Quincy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Vivian Lawson, three brothers Albro, Dale, and Don Lawson, one grandson Gregory Conrad, and a daughter-in-law Ann Daniel Lawson.

Jim worked construction for most of his life as a Foreman for L.R. Young Construction in Salem, IL, and was also an Operating Engineer for Petersburg Plumbing and Heating, retiring April 1, 1995. For many years he was an auctioneer in the Quincy Area. He auctioneered the first annual Dogwood Festival, which is still an active held festival every year. Jim was an avid wood worker and enjoyed fishing and golfing in his spare time. He also wrote many poems throughout his life. Jim and his family have lived in Beardstown since 1972 and have been active members of First United Methodist Church. Most important to Jim was his family and he treasured each moment spent with them, and was especially proud to be a great grandfather.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, September 1, 2017 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 PM Thursday at the memorial home.

Memorials have been suggested to Safe Haven Hospice or Hope Blooms Foundation.

Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.

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