James T. Lawson Jr.

James T. Lawson Jr., 91, longtime resident of Wilton, NH, died peacefully on January 8, 2026, with family at his side, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA, after a sudden illness.

Jim was born on January 4, 1935, in North Carolina, a son of the late Rev. James T. Lawson and Ruby Ricks Lawson. Jim’s family lived in Wilmingtonfor several years before moving to Indiana when his father accepted a ministry in Franklin.

Jim thrived in Franklin and later graduated from Perdue University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He met Jerrie, his wife of 58 years, after graduating and moved to Amherst NH in 1965. Jim volunteered for many years with the Amherst Fire Department, and he worked in sales at Hendrix Wire and Cable until his retirement. He and Jerrie then built a home in Wilton across from the Greeley Farm and their daughter’s family.

Jim traveled extensively in his later years with his partner Alice. He was an avid lifelong golfer. He loved spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee and telling tall tales of his fishing. He had many talents and became an accomplished woodworker doing thefine finishing work in their Wilton home. He enjoyed collecting Lionel Trains and was known for his exceptional ability to restore antique trains and transformers, bringing them back to life for collectors around the country.

Jim is survived by his partner Alice Vargish; children Jonathan and his wife Anne of St. Cloud MN, James and his wife Amy of Durham NH, and son-in-law Randy Greeley of Wilton; sisters Luan Smyth of Carrboro NC and Ruth Kain of Orland IN; grandchildren Christopher Greeley, BrendonGreeley and his wife Brandie, Andrew Greeley and his wife Mariah, Kaitlyn Pidgeon and her husband Tommy, and Emma Lawson; and 7 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Jerrie, daughter Debbie Greeley and brother Charles.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH 03055. Burial will be in the spring.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.