James “Jim” Lee Lawson was born January 15, 1937. After an extended illness, he passed away peacefully at home January 31, 2024, in Solomons, MD, surrounded by his family.

Jim leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Sandra Catherine Ouellette Lawson and his 5 daughters: Lisa Coddington, Pennsylvania; Tina Henderson (Tom), South Carolina; Michele Cleary, Dunkirk, MD; Christy Rotz (Jake), Richmond, VA and Amanda Merillat (Kevin), Saint Leonard, Maryland. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Jim was born in Crisfield, MD to Rose Parks and Paul Lawson. He was 1 of 7 children and was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Pauline Osterberg. He is survived by his brothers Butch (Wayne) Lawson of Thailand, Jay Parks of California, Paul Wilkens of Florida, Mike Arvey of Maryland, and his sister Theresa Sommers of Maryland.

Jim served 4 years in the Navy and earned the rank of petty officer 2^nd class. After serving our nation he received a degree from the University of Maryland. He retired after 40 successful years with Baltimore Gas and Electric (Excelon) as a lead Performance Improvement Evaluator. He built strong relationships with his co-workers who became family members.

Jim had a strong faith and enjoyed going to church with his family. His hobbies included playing tennis, skiing, fishing, golfing and traveling. He also enjoyed spending time with his family eating crabs, attending family celebrations and get-togethers, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He will be remembered for his wit, sense of humor, love of gardening and his unselfish love for his wife, daughters and grandchildren.

Some of our fondest memories include family ski trips, beach vacations at Outer Banks, eating crabs by the pool, frying oysters, playing tennis and long bike rides. Every Easter Jim bought the ladies in the family a wrist corsage. Everyone looked forward to this special gift given in love.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 6 at 11:30 am at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Solomons, MD. Immediately following the service, the family will host a celebration of Jim’s life at Ben Gardner Retirement Community Center at 13350 Windrush Court, Solomons, MD.

Jim supported The March of Dimes and several other organizations over the years. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warriors Project or a charity close to your heart.