James (Jim) Frederick Lawson, age 89 passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Advena Living in Cherryvale, Kansas.
Jim was born on June 6, 1935 in Cherryvale, Kansas to Charles Burton Lawson and Fern Darling Lawson. Attended school in Cherryvale KS, graduating in 1954 from Cherryvale High School, attended Coffeyville Community College on a football scholarship from 1954 to 1956 and graduated from CCC. James also served in the US Armed Forces National Guard unit for six years when he received his honorable discharge.
James married Beverly Jane Kelly on June 3, 1956 in Cherryvale, KS and then moved to Coffeyville KS, where they currently reside. The couple had three children, Julie, Tony and Kelly.
James dedicated 42 years of service and retired from serving his community in the natural gas industry, first employed by United Cities Gas last known as Atmos Energy. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, playing industrial league basketball and softball, and he coached little league baseball and youth basketball for many years. Good times were spent at the bowling alley and golf course, two things he got to enjoy for years with his son. He also worked the chains for FKHS and CCC football for many years. One of his favorite past times was watching westerns and sports, he was an avid Jayhawks, Chiefs, and Royals fan! He especially loved seeing his grandchildren play in all their sports and activities and made as many as he could. A lot of time was spent on the road, seeing his grandkids in their sports, just cruising around town, camping in the camper, and just traveling all over with Beverly. Once he stopped driving his favorite activities were sneaking out on the lawn mower or in the golf cart. James was a member of the Methodist Church in Coffeyville where he served on several committees.
James is survived by his wife Beverly of 69 year and friendship of over 80 years, he is also survived by three children, Julie Tosh of Ponca City OK, Tony (Debby) Lawson of Coffeyville and Kelly Alban (Brett Radcliff) of Independence KS. Six Grandchildren, Doug Tosh and Amanda (Robert) James of Ponca City, Antonia (Eric) Fritz of Coffeyville, Gabrielle (Austin) Thompson of Phoenix AZ, John Alban of Topeka KS, Matt (Danielle) Alban of Coffeyville. Great grandchildren, Keyln and Ryder Wilson, Kylee, Keira and Aliyah Fritz of Coffeyville, Luka and Isla Thompson of Phoenix, Thane McFall and Corbin Alban of Coffeyville, Jensen and Amelia James, Karter Tosh and Kaidence Hartl of Ponca City.
James was preceded in death by his father Charles Burton Lawson and mother Fern Darling Lawson and stepmother Faye Lawson, brothers Burton Jr, Wayne, Gary and sister Yolanda and son-in-law Jim Tosh.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 2pm Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville. The family will receive friends from 1pm until service time at the same location. Jim will be laid to rest in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence, share a memory or view the live streaming of the service visit his obituary page at www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
