James Lawrence Lawton, 84, passed from this life to his heavenly home on October 30, 2019.

James was born in Augusta, Georgia on October 16, 1935 to Ruth (Teston) Lawton Smith and Joseph Lawton. He married Syble Walker, the love of his life, on January 26, 1957. After 52 years of marriage, she preceeded him in death in 2009.

James and Syble have three daughters, Jackie (Tony) Sell of Bourbon, Indiana; Jo (Ron) Faulkner of Warsaw, Indiana; and Barbara (Eugene) Bishop of Dyersburg, Tennessee. They also have two sons, Jim (Lisa)of Hudson Florida; and Paul (Noelle) Lawton North Mankato, Minnesota. James was also a member of the United Pentecostal Church of Harvey, Illinois.

James was employed for many years at the Chicago Tribune as a teletype operator. He also was a salesman for Sears. Both of these occupations caused him to become an avid reader and a lifelong learner, especially in history. He loved music, poetry, research and car shows. He also rode Triumph motorcycles.

James will be missed by his family, his 10 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren including twin boys born on his 84th birthday.

Services will be in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019. Viewing is from 1:30-3:30 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following.