James "Yogi" D. Lawson

James “Yogi” D. Lawson, 83 of Shannon, IL passed away at Allure Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll on Friday, May 26th, 2023. Jim was born on June 9th, 1939 in Sterling, Illinois, the son of James P. and Hilda (Wuebben) Lawson. He married Phyllis Moll on December 10, 1960 in Shannon, IL.

Jim owned and operated Lawson Cement Construction for 62 years. He had many customers and the family joked you couldn’t drive five miles without him pointing out a cement job he poured. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and attending ALL of his grandchildren’s sporting events, never missing one. Jim was a good all-around athlete at Forreston High School, participating in basketball, baseball and football. He played men’s softball in Shannon for many years. He enjoyed coaching his sons in baseball pee-wee through pony league. In particular, he loved basketball, from high school through the pros, and was known to give advice to high school coaches (and referees). For many years Jim also dressed as Santa Claus for Christmas and really enjoyed being able to do this for children. He always looked forward to his yearly trips to Montana where he eventually became a guide at K Bar L Hunting Camp. He was a past member of the Shannon Lions club, dedicating many hours to the Labor Day Barbeque.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Lawson of Shannon, two sons, Steve (Amy) Lawson and Randy (Diane) Lawson both of Davis; sister, Shirley Schryver of Milledgeville; three grandchildren, Erika (Kevin) Cline, Adam (Alicia Whitehead) Lawson and Kendall (Leslie Martinez) Lawson; great-granddaughter, Kira Cline; and two step great-granddaughters, Abby and Courtney Cline.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Nancy Marceau and two brothers in law Milton Marceau and Don Schryver.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport from 4-7 pm. A memorial has been established in Jim’s memory.