James Earl “Jimmy” Lawson III, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Jimmy was born in Nashville on May 27, 1947, to the late Mary Agnes O’Brien Lawson and James Earl Lawson Jr. and lived a life defined by family, hard work, loyalty, friendship, and service to others. He understood the value of carrying forward what had been entrusted to him, a family name, a family business, lifelong friendships and, most importantly, the responsibility of loving and caring for the people who meant the most to him. 

Jimmy was the third-generation owner of Lawson and Son Service Center, proudly continuing his family’s tradition established in 1939 by the generations before him. He took great pride in serving his customers and community, carrying forward the Lawson family name. Over the years, customers became friends, and friends became part of the extended Lawson family. 

Jimmy was immensely proud of his Father Ryan High School Class of 1965. More than six decades after graduation, those friendships remained an important part of his life. He loved his classmates and treasured the bond they shared.

 He loved deer hunting and the outdoors, but for him, it was never simply about the hunt. The woods were a place to slow down and enjoy the things he valued most — good friends, great stories, a lot of laughter, and time together. Some of his most treasured days outdoors were measured not by what he brought home, but by the memories he made with the people beside him. Those times became even more meaningful when he could share them with his grandchildren. An afternoon in the woods offered the chance to sit with them, tell stories, share a snack and simply enjoy being together. The real reward was never the hunt itself, but what was planted along the way, friendships, memories, and relationships he had the joy of watching grow through the time he spent with the people he loved. 

Jimmy was a devoted husband to his wife, Kathleen “Kath” Lawson. He loved Kath deeply, and that devotion was expressed not simply in words, but in his presence, his loyalty, and the life they built side by side. 

Few roles brought Jimmy greater joy than being “Farm PA” to his eight grandchildren: Sims Lawson, Will Lawson, Jackson Anders, Emily Lawson, Whit Alexander, Thomas Anders, Charlie Alexander, and Holland Alexander. Each held a special place in his heart. Whether gathered at the farm, celebrating holidays or watching their ballgames, Farm PA treasured simply being with them. 

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Kath” H Lawson; his four children, Ted Lawson (Casey McCagh), Amy Anders (Adam), Pat Lawson (Sarah), and Courtney Alexander (Jason); his eight grandchildren; his brother, Robert Michael Lawson; his sister, Janine Lawson Winnard; and many extended family members, classmates, customers, hunting companions, and friends who loved him dearly. 

For those who knew Jimmy best, perhaps his life can be described most simply by the way he showed up for others. For Jimmy, there truly was “No hill too steep, no ditch too deep.” If Kath, one of his children or grandchildren, a family member, or a friend needed him, he was there. 

Funeral services will be held at St. Henry Catholic Church, 6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 26, from 5:00–7:00pm, and again Thursday, August 27, from 11:30am–12:30pm A Funeral Mass in the Catholic Tradition will begin at 12:30pm on Thursday, August 27, with inurnment immediately following at St. Henry’s Garden of the Good Shepherd. 

In lieu of customary remembrances and flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Jimmy’s honor to Tennessee Wildlife Federation Hunting and Fishing Academy, 300 Orlando Ave., Nashville, TN 37209.