James Thomas Sawyer Sr.

Staff Sergeant - Ret. U.S.A.F

Visitation will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, December 31, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Hill Crest Memorial Park on December 31, 2010. Rev. Billy Pierce will be officiating the service.

Jim passed away on December 28, 2010 at Willis Knighton Bossier. He was 79 years young.

He was born on April 16, 1931 to Emily and Verus Sawyer in Berry, Alabama. After 23 years in the Air Force serving in Korea, Japan, Florida, Alaska, California, and Morocco, Jim retired at Barksdale AFB to reside in Bossier City. He worked in real estate and served as a member of the city council of Bossier City for four years for District 2.

Jim was a member of Masonic Temple Lodge 448, EL Karuba Shrine, The Bossier City Lion’s Club, and the Overton Brooks High 12 Club # 310. Jim was a great story teller. He enjoyed being around people. He loved children and animals. On several occasions he served as St. Nicholas for the children at Shriner’s Hospital. There was no meanness in this man.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter Cindy Krueger Thompson and brother-in-law, Dale Johnston. He is survived by his wife Connie of 29 years, his sister, Gaynell Johnston of Bankston, Alabama, brother, Hubert Sawyer of Berry, Alabama, his three children, Vicki (and Ralph) Krueger of San Antonio, Texas, Tom (and Darcel) of Flower Mound, Texas, and Vola (and Tim) Oran of San Antonio, Texas.

“Daddy Jim” was also survived by three step-children, Dianne and Drew Lerner of Bulverde, Texas, Erika Hull of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Ronnie (and Colleen) Hull of Shreveport, Louisiana.

“Paw Paw” is survived also by nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, five step grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also, numerous friends whom he cherished dearly.

Pallbearers will be family members.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Jim’s doctors for their patience and care: Dr. Powers, Dr. San Pedro and Dr. Cole.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.