Funeral services for James William Lawson, 69, of Dora, MO will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. Officiating will be Bro. Jeff Dotson. Burial will be in the Howards Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 PM November 6, 2024 at the funeral home.
James passed away November 3, 2024 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, MO. He was born September 11, 1955 in rural Ozark County, MO to Troy and Ruth Lawson.
James worked over 31 years at DRS and made lifelong friends. Friends may tell you that some of this work was pulling prank jokes on each other. Most would agree that James usually initiated these shenanigans. Stories are still told today about all the good times he and his friends made.
James loved his family and friends and being outside with nature. He was able to accomplish his dream when he purchased his farm in Dora, MO. This was his heaven on earth. He wanted to show everyone his farm which included plenty of wildlife from a squirrel to a bear. If you came to visit, it was best to be prepared to take a ride over the farm to see all of the beauty that came with living in God’s Country.
He was a man who helped a neighbor in need and his door was always open for company.
James had a very strong work ethic. He believed in working for what you have. This was evidenced in the fact he was still building fence and farming while struggling with health issues.
James was saved as a young child. His love for Jesus was evidenced more in the last year as he realized the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His desire was to tell the lost how Jesus changed his heart and could change their heart.
James was a special person and will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife Karlene Lawson of Dora, MO; two children Andy Lawson of Rockbridge, MO, Kristin Lowther and husband Justin of Ozark, MO; three grandchildren Colton Lawson, Rhett Lawson, Reed Lawson; one step daughter Jillayna Wake; three step grandsons Steel, Brock & Jaxon; mother-in-law Loretta Dewitt; siblings Marie Brumbley of Neosho, MO, Faye Warren of West Plains, MO, Sharon Rich of Gainesville, MO, Thomas Lawson of Gainesville, MO; close friends Debbie & Gary Perryman; close nephew Eugene Strong; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Troy and Ruth Lawson; sister Velva Whisnant; brother Darrell Strong; brother-in-law W.R. Rich; nephews Rickey Johnson and Stacey Sisney; and father and mother-in-law Gerald & Marylou Hambelton.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO. www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com
