Harry James Lawson, affectionately called "Jim" or "Big Jim" by his family and friends, completed his earthly journey on Sunday, May 10, 2026. He was 82 years young. Jim lived his life for God and encouraged those around him to do the same. He was officially ordained as a minister in 1972 and has been a steady soldier for God since that day. He would often say "love God with all your heart" and "just keep your eyes on Him." His love for the Lord changed the hearts of so many people.

This is his story.  Jim was born in Harlan County on September 4, 1943 to Frank and Dora (Fee) Lawson. Throughout his short 82 years, he excelled at numerous hobbies, including: Ball room dancing, knife & axe throwing, bowling, mini golf, cornhole & carpentry, the latter of which, he turned into a career. Jim was a gifted carpenter and had his hand in numerous projects around Harlan and Tennessee. He was also a gifted singer/songwriter. Those close to Jim were blessed to hear his work firsthand and will hold those songs and cds he made, close to their hearts forever. In fact, one of his songs, "The Upward Road" was sold to two music groups and is featured on their cds. We are so proud of him for sharing his gift and have no doubt, it has brought happiness to numerous people. We must also mention Jim's love of peanut butter, milk, little Debbie's and ice cream from DQ. If anyone wanted to see a genuine smile come from Jim, they would mention getting something sweet. He would always find a way to sneak a donut or little Debbie cake into his day. One could even say that his love of sweets became an identifier for Jim. Looking back, we will smile fondly at the thought of the true joy he got out of eating his sweets.

Jim was extremely loved by his family, church family and friends. He married the love of his life, Lecreta (Smith) Lawson on November 28, 1976. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Jim & Lecreta moved to Harlan shortly after their wedding where they raised three children, Jimmy, Anndrea and Chassidy. He loved being a dad and was the best they could have been given. He was so proud of each of his kids and made sure they knew how loved they were. We will mourn his loss for the rest of our lives for we will never know a love like his again.

Jim was a humble man. He did not care for fancy things. He was comfortable in his button-up shirt and a pair of jeans. His priorities were always in order: God first, family second. The rest would sort itself out. He also knew, without a doubt, that God would supply his needs (and He always delivered). Jim was also tender-hearted. You would often see him tearing up at a gospel song or a Christian movie. He was so moved by God's goodness that it often overwhelmed him. He was the embodiment of a beautiful soul.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lecreta, (who loved him with all of her heart), his son, Jimmy (Missy) Lawson, daughter, Anndrea (Eric) Plamp, daughter, Chassidy (Matt) Reynolds, two special nieces, Rita Gail Stewart and Tammy (Dennis) Dover, one sister, Jan Whitaker, granddaughter, Ravyn (Tom) Carroll, grandson Matthew (Lauren) Short, granddaughter, Kylee Reynolds, granddaughter, Taylor Smith & many great grandchildren. Also surviving were nieces, Teresa Mosier, Kim Vaughn, Amanda Lawson, Alisa Baker, nephew, Jeremy Sopher and wife, Jennifer, as well as, a host of many other family members.

Those who have went before him include, his parents, Frank and Dora Lawson, two brothers, Bill (Evelyn) Lawson, Don (Donna) Lawson, sister, Marie Lawson, nephew, Tracie Lawson and nephew, John Lawson.

There are not enough pages or words to adequately explain how precious of a person Jim Lawson was or how big of a loss this is for those close to him. We will mourn his passing for the rest of our lives. However, we take comfort in knowing that our husband/father/brother/uncle/friend was not only a man of God, but, that he also lived his life urging others to follow suit. We love you Jim. You were the absolute joy of our lives. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026,  from 5-8pm at the Church of God of the Union Assembly: 1820 US Hwy 119 S., Baxter, KY 40806. Funeral services will be Friday, May 15, 2026, at 1pm at the church with the Reverend Dennis Dover, the Reverend Tony Hughes and the Reverend Ron Oliver officiating.  Graveside services will follow at Evarts Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Rob Simmons, Ethan Simmons, Matthew Reynolds, Danny Oliver, Tom Carroll, Rick Dunham, Matthew Short, & Marvin J Lipfird. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the gofundme set up to help support Lecreta. You can find more information shared on family member's Facebook pages.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Harry "Jim" Lawson.