Roll Call Tribute

James Warner "Jim" Lawson 

April 9, 1959 - July 6, 2025 

It is with deeply heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Warner “Jim” Lawson III. Jim was born in Muleshoe, Texas, on April 9, 1959, to Pat Huckleberry Lawson and Warner Lawson. He departed this world in Dallas, Texas, on July 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Jim will forever be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Jim graduated from Hereford High School, Hereford, Texas in 1977 where he lettered in multiple sports. He attended Texas A&M University and was a member of the Corp of Cadets, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1981. He met Aggie classmate Sarah Akin in 1979. They were married on July 23, 1983, in Princeton, Texas.

Following college graduation, Jim returned to his hometown of Hereford to work for his father’s road construction business. In 1998 he shifted his career direction to the field of education. He worked for Region 16 Education Service Center, Amarillo ISD, Rockwall ISD, and Royse City ISD. He described his seven years at Royse City ISD as Senior Executive Director of Facilities and Operations as the most rewarding and meaningful time in his 28-year career in education. His leadership is to be credited for multiple building projects. The quality of RCISD facilities is directly attributed to his passion for all students and staff to have the absolute best learning environment.

His talents and gifts extended outside of his career. He was a talented meat smoker and kept the freezer at home fully stocked with delicious smoked chicken, pork, and brisket. There was no handyman job too big for Jim. He built a customized greenhouse fully loaded with state-of-the-art electronic monitoring equipment. Jim loved working in the yard with Sarah to plant the hundreds of plants he started in the greenhouse from seeds and cuttings. His favorite garden flower was the begonia. According to Jim, “You just can’t beat a good begonia.” His woodworking talents were never ending; there was nothing he could not build. He crafted many beautiful items including customized knives, pens, and boxes with natural stone and mineral inlays. He generously gifted these beautiful items to family and friends. Jim was a man of multiple talents and an inspiration to whoever he came into contact with.

Jim had a great sense of humor and a great laugh. He was kindhearted and generous. Jim spoiled Sarah and was always her biggest fan, supporter, and cheerleader. He also enjoyed doting on his mother whenever he had the opportunity. Jim was especially sensitive to accommodating both his sons’ life partners, Melissa and Rafe, welcoming them early on and making them feel at home. As a father, he always showed up for his sons, Pace and Pierce. Whenever they needed help with a project or some fatherly direction, Jim always made himself available. He instilled in his sons the value of hard and meaningful work. His legacy will live on. As a PeePaw to three grandchildren, he was always willing to join in on any adventure or activity they desired with his trademark sense of humor, adding more laughter and fun to any occasion.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Ryan Dale Lawson, in 2016. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Akin Lawson; his sons, Pace Lawson (Melissa) and Pierce Lawson (Rafe); and his grandchildren, PV2 US Army Nathan Lawson, Aybree Lawson, and Ariana Lawson. Jim also leaves behind his parents, Pat Lawson and Warner Lawson as well as his sister, Tami Charest (Dave).

A memorial service to honor the life of Jim will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Reflections Chapel at Rest Haven Funeral Home, located at 2500 State Highway 66 East, Rockwall, TX, with Dr. Russell Rogers officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall, TX.