James Arnold Lawson, Jr.

DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VISTATION AND SERVICE FOR JAMES A. LAWSON, JR. HAS BEEN POSTPONED AND RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018.

THE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018 AT 1PM AT NEW CASTLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 510 DELAWARE STREET, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720, WHERE FRIENDS MAY VISIT WITH THE FAMILY FROM 12PM TO 1PM. BURIAL WILL BE PRIVATE.

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James Arnold Lawson, Jr.  “Jim” “Pop Pop”, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.

He was born September 4, 1930, an only child to James and Reba Lawson in Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania.  Upon graduation from high school, he worked as a coal miner at Blue Coal in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.  He married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Andruczyk, in June of 1952 and began his eventual family of five.  After spending several years in PA, he moved to Old New Castle, DE where he eventually secured a position with Delmarva Power & Light (DP&L) as a gas systems operator.  He retired in 1992, just shy of 35 years of service to the company.

Jim was an avid, lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, especially fond of watching Phillies baseball.  He spent 20 years as a volunteer coach for Jefferson Farms Little League while teaching his boys the game.  He enjoyed boating and fishing, creating decades of memories on the water with Loretta, his children and grandchildren.  Gardening and golfing were hobbies of Jim’s as well; his infamous tomato gardens, homemade salsa and steady, straight drives off tee boxes at the links will be remembered forever by his family.  He also had a love of animals, especially dogs; his most recent a shih-poo named “Shash”, was surely his favorite.

Above all else, he thrived on spending every day with the woman to whom he devoted his entire world, his soulmate and best friend, Loretta.  His kind, agreeable, & easygoing nature fit perfectly with her personality.  He cared most about making her happy each day of their nearly 65 years of marriage and providing for their family.  His beautiful, gentle soul will live forever in the hearts of his family.

Pop Pop was predeceased by his parents; wife, Loretta; and son, David Scott, of Middletown, DE.

He leaves to reminisce loving, lasting memories among his four children, James A Lawson III (Barbara) of Cochranville, PA, Jeffrey A. Lawson (Lisa) of Newark, DE, Lori A Economos (Alex) of Newark, DE, and Lynn Testaiuti of West Chester, PA; loving daughters-in-law, Pam Lawson of Middletown, DE and Richele Lawson of Wilmington, DE; proud grandchildren, Jais, Kaiti, Scott, Kim, Amy, Jeffrey, Ross, Alex, Marco, Adam, Cole, Sydni, Eric and Victoria; and spunky great-grandchildren, Emma, Caraline, William, Logan, Olivia, Cooper, Taylor, Madison, Charlotte, Nora, James, Delaney, Kallie and Finley.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Justin and Kim Holtzman, who took Pop Pop into their home and cared for him after Loretta passed away in June; their commitment and devotion made his last months of life both enjoyable and memorable.  Additionally, the family would like to thank Delaware Hospice, especially Kathryn (CNA), for her warm, gentle care and compassion to Kim and our family.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 1pm at New Castle United Methodist Church, 510 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE, where friends may visit with the family from 12pm - 1pm.  Burial will be private.

To offer condolences, please visit:

gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.328.2312