Obituary of James Garrett Lawson

James Garrett Lawson, 26, of Middleville, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2022.

As they anticipated the arrival of their baby boy on October 22, 1996; his parents, Jeffery and Kathleen (Terry) Lawson excitedly welcomed their son in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Watching James develop into a young man was such a joy for his parents.  After graduating from Thornapple Kellogg High School, Class of 2014. James went on to further his education in culinary school where he honed his skills and learned to create some of the most delectable dishes.  His skills did not end in the kitchen, however; James had a passion for music and was an excellent drummer.  He had quite the attention to detail, it was accounted for in his recipes, apparent in his musical talents, and his writing was prolific.  James also had a carefree side, he loved riding dirt bikes and other motorcycles and he took great pride in his 1985 Honda Nighthawk. His talent was beyond measure and found himself able to fix just about anything. He was a meticulous handyman and owned and operated his own company “Lawson’s Handyman Services”. James will also be remembered for his ability to always look impeccably dressed and his smile and kindness to everyone he came in contact with.  

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Rev. James F. Lawson; maternal grandfather, Gilbert Terry and uncles, James F. Lawson, Jr., Mickey Gerlofs, and Rick Amato.

James is survived by his parents, Jeff and Kathy Lawson of Middleville; daughter, Nova Lawson, of Kalamazoo; his sister, Casey (Paul) Haney of Middleville; his paternal grandmother, Lois Lawson of Battle Creek; his maternal grandmother, April (Michael) Lehr of Manchester, Michigan; his dear special friend, Brooklyn Lamange of Six Lakes; a host of very loving aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends and lives James has touched.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honor of James have been asked to consider the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 10069, Detroit, MI  48210.

A time of visitation has been set aside for James on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Thornapple Valley Church, 20 State Street, Middleville, from 6-8 p.m.  A funeral service celebrating James will take place the following day, on Friday, December 16, 2022 at Thornapple Valley Church (Middleville Campus) beginning Visitation at 11 am – noon and Service at noon with an interment to follow at Coman Cemetery.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for James’ family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

James will never be forgotten. His infectious smile, ability to always dress perfectly, charismatic personality that drew people to him, the craftsmanship shown in his work, being a great protector and mostly, his ability to love, will be greatly missed