James William Lawyer, 75 of Taylorville entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 1:00 a.m. at Heritage Health Care Center in Springfield. He was born on April 6, 1942 in the old St. Vincent Hospital in Taylorville, IL the Son of Bill and Ruby (Irwin) Lawyer. He married Janet Shuck on April 16, 1961 in the Mt. Pleasant Church of God in Assumption, IL. In his younger days he worked for Bulpit’s furniture, circle steel and the Taylorville Golf Course. He retired from the C & IM railroad in Springfield after 42 years of service.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, car races, the St. Louis Cardinals, and he had a love for football. He played football in his high school years and then went on to volunteer his time coaching the original JFL Bears team. He taught his grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren the skill of football. Jim was also their biggest fan on and off the field. Jim loved his great-Grandchildren, grandchildren and children but his biggest love was for his sweetie Janet. He loved with all his heart. He was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church in Pana. In his earlier walk with Jesus Jim taught a bible study in his home and at work. He loved to tell the others about Jesusand share how God changed his life.

Surviving are his Wife: Janet Lawyer of Taylorville, IL; Son: Doug (Lisa) Lawyer of Rogers, AR; Daughters: Terri (Jeff) Nolen of Stonington, IL; Rhonda (Paul) Moma of Taylorville, IL; Grandchildren: Bradly (Jennifer) Heimsness of Taylorville, Brandon Heimsness of Springfield, Daniel (Brooke) Nolen of Moweaqua, Kaitlyn (Alex) Norris of Palmer, Corinne and Colbey Lawyer of Rogers, AR; Great-Grandchildren: Blake, Tyler, Kamren, Kyleigh, Kenzley and Bentley Heimsness; Elijah and Wyatt Nolen, Noah Norris and Izabella Lawyer; Sisters: Sandra (Nick) Ward of Taylorville, IL; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother: Richard Lawyer and Nephew Adam Ward.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church in Pana, IL with Pastor Herb Hubbard officiating. Burial will be held in Anderson Cemetery in Palmer, IL.

Memorials may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church P.O. Box 136 Pana, IL 62557 or Tornado Alley Turf Campaign please make checks to the Quarterback Club C/O Taylorville High School 815 W. Springfield Rd. Taylorville, IL 62568

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.