James Norton Lawler

We are saddened to announce the passing of James N. Lawler of Palm BeachGardens, Florida. Jim is survived by Sara Hintze Lawler, his beloved wife of 60 years,his two daughters, Margaret Cleary and Pamela Lawler, and six grandchildren. Jim wasa member of a large extended family and was survived by his sisters Julie Grace ofGreen Bay, Wisconsin and Margie Mullin of Edina, Minnesota.

Jim was born in Rochester, Minnesota, and lost his father at an early age. This tragedydoubtless contributed to his boundless energy and zest for life, which took him andeventually his family around the world. Jim was a graduate of Georgetown’s School ofForeign Service, and he received his Masters Degree in Education from HarvardUniversity.

A navy veteran, Jim was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island during the latter stages ofthe Korean conflict. After his service, Jim hitchhiked to Guatemala with a navy buddy,but returned to the U.S. to complete his education. After a brief stint as an educator inMassachusetts, Jim joined the U.S. Foreign Service and spent his career attached toforeign embassies in Portugal, Brazil, Venezuela, the Caribbean Islands, and Chile,where he met and married his wife, Sara. After completing his career, Jim retired fromgovernment service and spent the remainder of his years in South Florida.

James Lawler will always be remembered as a patriot who risked his life for our country,and friend to all of the nations he was assigned to that now enjoy peace, freedom andprosperity.