James Fowler Lawson

James Fowler Lawson was born on August 5, 1925 to Charley and Annie Lawson in Clarksville, Florida, joining his five siblings: W.A., Nellie, Louise, Lucy, and Charlie. After the untimely death of his father when he was four years old, the family worked together to support one another through the difficult times of the Great Depression. Jim often recounted times of the family picking cotton in a field while he provided entertainment singing and playing his guitar. His love for music followed him through to his teenage years - while he and his brothers practiced and sometimes performed together for local dances and events in their small town.

As World War II drew each of his brothers to military service, it so did Jim and after getting the necessary permission from his mother, he joined the U.S Navy where he served aboard the USS Brough, a destroyer escort. He made many trips across the North Atlantic and all the while found himself the unofficial ship's musician - so much so that when he left the ship with an honorable discharge he was able to keep the ship's guitar.

Jim's military service provided him the opportunity of a lifetime - for he met his loving wife, Anna, while in port in New York City. Jim made good friends with a shipmate, Bill, who had family in NYC and It was a fateful afternoon when Anna visited her brother-in-law, Bill, in a NYC hospital and saw her "Jimmy" sitting on a nurses desk. It was love at first sight and they were married as soon as Jim returned from the War.

Anna's father assisted Jim in getting a union book - so that Jim could break into the moving/van industry. He worked long hours to support his growing family - for he and Anna had a son, James, and a daughter, Mary Ann. They lived in various parts of NYC before moving to Long Island - where he provided a comfortable home and life for his wife and two children. Jim made great sacrifices by working as a long-haul trucker for Allied Van Lines, making trips from New York to Los Angeles multiple times per month. He reveled in the sights along the road and places he was able to visit - but lamented for the times he missed out at home. Jim always had his guitar handy while at home - and with any visit from friends and family, he would provide songs and music that everyone enjoyed.

Jim and Anna retired to Lehigh Acres, Florida. With each passing year, they celebrated holidays, birthdays, and other milestones with family and friends who lived close and far. Jim was known to always have a project going and loved working in the yard and garage. Despite retirement, Jim wasn't yet rid of the travel-bug. After many years in their home, Jim and Anna sold their home, purchased a large RV, and took up traveling the roads, seeing the sights, and visiting friends and family. Jim loved the open road and often recalled places he'd seen and wished to re-visit. After a few years, they found a new home in Lehigh - one that had a large workshop out back - and they again settled into their life's routine.

Jim always loved the dogs he had - platter, peanuts, pebbles, and finally poppy - who he loved until his last days and they had always been inseparable. Jim and Anna lived in their home in Lehigh until 2014 when they moved together to their daughter's home. Jim and Anna could often be found holding hands while sitting together on the sofa.

In April of 2016, Jim and Anna celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

James Fowler Lawson is survived by his loving wife, Anna; by his son James, daughter-in-law Frissie, grandson James and step granddaughters Diane, Bonnie, and Robin; by his daughter Mary Ann, granddaughter Alyssa, and step grandsons James and David, and by his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings, and son-in-law. He leaves behind memories of his gentle nature, loving support of others, his own love of coffee, and his lifelong examples of generosity and service to those around him.

Arrangements under the direction of Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, Fort Myers, FL.