James Malcolm Lawson
November 12, 2014
James Malcolm Lawson, 78, passed away November 12, 2014. Visitation will be held Friday evening, November 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines; and the memorial service Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1105 Grand Ave in West Des Moines. Jim graciously donated his body to the University of Iowa and will later be laid to rest at Ottumwa Cemetery in Ottumwa, IA.
Jim was born on April 27, 1936 in Des Moines, IA to Cora (Talle) and Clifford Lawson and was raised in the Ottumwa area. He married Donna Bachman and spent two years in the US Army at Ft. Sill in Lawton, OK with stops in Wichita and Sacramento before his return to Ottumwa, where he and Donna raised three children. Jim made a second stay in Sacramento before returning to Iowa in 1997. He was independent with an entrepreneurial spirit and a natural curiosity. He enjoyed learning and developed an eye for photography. He also taught himself the guitar, keyboards, and mandolin. Jim was a sharp dresser and loved the outdoors.
He is survived by his children, Jim (Rachel Stauffer) Lawson, Lynn (Larry Pieart) Lawson, and Kari (Jon) Ferguson; and grandchildren, Clinton and Cody Ferguson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and the mother of his children.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, the Ottumwa Public Library or to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Katie Wainwright
11/15/2014
Jim (Butch), I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Michael Franke
11/14/2014
Jim, very sorry to learn of the loss of your father. My heartfelt condolences.
Peter Curnes
11/14/2014
My sympathy to you Jim on
the loss of your father.
Keep the positive thoughts
on the forefront.
Lowell & Mary (Savage) Smith
11/14/2014
To all of Jim's Family...It was with sadness that I sent word to the 1954 OHS Classmates of Jim's passing. We missed him at the 60th class reunion and many had inquired as to his whereabouts. He was a fun loving classmate and one that will be remembered by his cheerful way and always friendly smile.
I hope all of you have wonderful family memories that will sustain you and give you strength and peace at this time of grief.
May God Bless each of you.
Mary (Savage) Smith
Mary Ann Southworth
11/13/2014
My heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Lawson's family as you experience this great loss. I have many fond memories of the years we spent as neighbors and friends. Peace to you all.
Sharon VanArsdale
11/13/2014
Jim, Kari and Lynn: my heartfelt symapthies on the loss of your father and great man. May God rest his soul and comfort you in your grief.