Jim Lawton

Lt. Colonel (Ret.), James (Jim) Francis Lawton passed away at age 78 on May 3, 2025 in Cumming, GA from complications of metastatic prostate cancer. He was born in Manhattan, NY on October 30, 1946 to Col (Ret.). Elmore and Annie Lawton.

Jim graduated from West Point Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering on June 5, 1968. He also earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in 1975 as well as a Masters of Science in Public Administration in 1977 from Florida State University while teaching Army ROTC at FSU for 5 years. He had a lifelong love for learning.

He served in the United States Army for 20 years, including a tour in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone. He also worked as a commercial real estate appraiser with Bernes and Company until his retirement. After retiring from appraisal, his love of helping others led him to participate in the life insurance business, Symmetry.

Jim’s hobbies included participating in the local Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris fellow, a recognition given by Rotary International to members of the community or Rotarians who have made exceptional contributions. It is the highest honor a Rotary Club can bestow. He was a Rotarian for several decades and had many close friends. He loved books and read voraciously. Jim would often send books to his children and grandchildren, if he saw a book he thought they would like. He loved gardening and was frequently found in his yard gardening and planting a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. He also loved feeding the birds in his yard and would not leave town until the birds were fed! Jim had a keen sense of humor. His smile and laugh were infectious. He loved getting a “rise” out of his children and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 26 years, Donna Lawton, his daughter, Alison (Tadd) Hutcheson, sons William Lawton and Benjamin Lawton, also step-daughters Brandi (Brent) Reece, Mandi Bearden (Racheal Moses). He was known as Opa to his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: Rachael Lawton, William Lawton, Jason Lawton, LCpl Abigail Hutcheson, Emily Hutcheson, Samantha Hutcheson, Doyle Lawton, and step-granddaughters Natalie and Taylor Reece. He is also survived by his former spouse of 27 years, Anne Rutland, the mother of their 3 children, and her husband, Robert Rutland. Jim is also survived by his oldest brother Robert (Bob) Lawton, sister Anne (Cis) Lawton, his youngest brother CDR, USN (Ret) brother Donald (Martha) Lawton and niece Joyanne Lawton Siripachana, nephews Tom and Joe Lawton along with two great nieces and two great nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Colonel (Ret) Elmore and Annie Lawton, brother LTJG, USN William Lawton and niece Esther Lawton.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held on June 21, 2025 at McDonald & Son Funeral Home: 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040. Visitation will begin at 11:00am followed by the Celebration of Life service at noon, officiated by Bruce Petty, a friend of Jim’s and Rotarian Chaplain. Immediately following the service, he ashes will be full be interred with full military honors at Sawnee Memorial Gardens cemetery: 1390 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040. Following the burial, there will be food and fellowship at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warriors and Tunnel 2 Towers.