James Sawyer

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of James William Sawyer, age 78 of Cedar Rapids, on Sunday June 8, 2025. Jim’s warmth, kindness and unwavering spirit made him such a great inspiration to his family and friends. Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence will host a visitation for Jim on Saturday, June 14 from 1-3 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at Thirsty on 30 in Stanwood.

The son of James C. and Mildred Ruther Sawyer, he was born on the family farm south of Clarence on July 29, 1946. He graduated from Clarence High School in 1964. Jim married Sally Weatherwax in 1963 and welcomed two children, Todd and Gina. They later divorced and on February 3, 1979 married Laura Mason. They welcomed a son, Bryan.

Jim worked for the Clarence Coop for many years and farmed with his dad and brother, Rick. He joined the Clarence Ambulance as an EMT, and later became president of the ambulance board, and was instrumental in the purchase of a new ambulance. Jim also worked when he was not farming for the Clarence Telephone Company installing satellite dishes.

In 2002, Jim and Laura moved to Arizona, where he worked for SASCO and later 1-Stop signs. He also had a major interest in a gold mine in Alaska.

Jim loved to golf and he and Laura always looked forward to the weekly golf matches with Gina and Garry.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Laura of 46 years; children Todd of Stanwood, Gina (Garry) Tasler of Phoenix, AZ, and Bryan of Cedar Rapids; brother Richard (Deborah) of Clarence; 7 grandchildren Tyler Sawyer (Lauren), Nathan Sawyer (Matt), Austin Sawyer (Abby), Bailey Duncan (Lane), Trey Tesdahl, Cooper Sawyer and Carson Sawyer; great grandchildren Jaylyn, Landon, Brody, Gunner, Weston, Cohen, Grayson, Tate, and Oliver; mother-in-law Bonnie Mason of Red Oak; brother-in-law Glenn Mason (Marty) of Shenandoah; sister-in-law Beth (Todd) Pfefferle of Beverton, OR; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister Karen Meyer; brother-in-law Robert Meyer; and father-in-law Glenn O. Mason.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Clarence Ambulance or Clarence Fire Department.