James Ellwood "Jim" Lawson, Jr

It is with profound sorrow that the family of James Ellwood “Jim” Lawson, Jr. announce his passing. Jim passed away peacefully with his loving wife and son at his side on Monday, August 31, 2020 at the age of 73. He was born in New Orleans, LA and resided his entire life on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish. He attended West Jefferson High School, class of 1964, went onto Southeastern Louisiana University where he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Education. While at Southeastern he was a member of the Kappa Delta Tau Fraternity. He received a Master’s Degree in Education at Loyola University. Jim joined the faculty of his old high school alma mater, West Jefferson High School. His eagerness to impart knowledge to his students turned to dismay when he found the lack of basic materials and school supplies for his students. When the shocking news of the Jefferson Parish School Board’s secret debt of millions of dollars was discovered by the news media, Jim decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution to the problem. He ran for and was elected to the Jefferson Parish School Board. While serving on the School Board, Jim was given the honor of being selected as Board President. Working with the new board members, they eliminated the deficit and wound up with a surplus. The school system also eliminated the segregated system of all boys’ high schools and all girls’ high schools. Having accomplished many other priorities, Jim chose to run for the Jefferson Parish Council. He was elected to represent District 2 and took the Oath of Office in 1976. He proudly represented his constituents for 20 years. During that time many improvements took place in what previously had been considered “the forgotten district.” An incredible number of projects were accomplished with the construction of new Drainage Pumping Stations and increased pumping capacity for Estelle, Bayou Segnette, Westminster/Lincolnshire, new levee construction and pumping station for Avondale. But the most important levee project was the Hurricane Protection Levee from Westwego to the Harvey Canal. New Sewerage Treatment Plants for District 2, new Senior Citizens Centers in Westwego, Marrero, and Seventh Ward, new streets and road improvements, and numerous recreation projects and many other quality of life matters, too numerous to list. But one of his proudest accomplishments was the construction of libraries at Belle Terre, Westwego, Rosedale, and Live Oak. Jim along with Bob DeViney spearheaded the purchase of the Zephyr Field Tract of land upon which now sits the Shrine on Airline, Jefferson Performing Arts Center as well as the Saints Training Facility. Also, he was a proponent of term limits and voted in favor of the proposal in order to make it a reality. After his political career, Jim returned to teaching. He taught Adult Education and was an Assistant Principal at Henry Ford Junior High School. Jim enjoyed the sunny beaches of Florida and he and Frances ventured there whenever they could get away. He loved sports. He was a pitcher on his high school baseball team. While he studied at Southeastern, he was a member of the rugby team. But golf was his real passion. He truly enjoyed being on the course with his friends and he played in many tournaments. However, family was most important. Cheering for his son, Jake, at swim meets or taking him to golf lessons was a special time for him. So was having Frances on the golf course with him. But he liked nothing more than preparing a meal for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith Smith Lawson and James Ellwood Lawson, Sr., and his sister, Patricia Lawson Clukey. Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years, Frances Blasini Lawson, and his son, James Ellwood “Jake” Lawson, III.
Also survived by his sister, Barbara Lawson Duplantis (David), his brothers-in-law, Jorge (Cheryl), Ivan, Jose (Tania), Steve, Eddie, David (Laurie) Kevin Blasini, and his mother-in-law, Alma N. Blasini. He is also survived by his trusted companion, Napoleon. He will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchild Courtney Duplantis Yates and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at St. Patrick’s Church, 724 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, immediately followed by a Catholic Mass. Internment immediately following at Westlawn Memorial Park in Gretna, LA (private – family only). The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, especially Dr. Bryan Burt, for their caring and compassionate treatment and Concerned Care Home Health and Hospice in Metairie, LA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, https://curemeso.org/donate/ . Due to COVID – 19, it is mandatory for all in attendance to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. A Celebration of Jim’s life will take place at a later date. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family during this very difficult time. Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com.