James L. Sawyer

The Captain

James was born in Bangor, Maine November 24, 1947. His parents were Maynard & Adelma Sawyer and siblings, Bruce & Jan (sister) Anderson, John & Judy (step-sister) Foster, Sylvia Bean, Fred Jr. (step-brother) & Kathy Bean, Al & Jean (step-sister) Bridges. James is survived by his wife Stacy Sawyer and daughter Celeste Grant. James is also survived by his children Jason, Beverly, Josh, Joe & John. James, referred to most by Jim, passed at the age of 66 after a long battle with lymphoma.

In high school, he played football and remained interested in it since. He liked the Patriots of course from his east coast roots and later became a Charger fan as well upon moving to California. He was offered a full ride to play for the Air Force Academy, but with his love for architecture, plus not really having a desire to join the military, led him to attend Pratt Institute School of Art and Design in the big city.

After high school, James attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York to earn his Bachelor’s degree in architecture. He held many jobs through college. He participated in various “projects” in people’s homes, even if it wasn't necessarily something he knew how to do. Another job he talked of having was a taxi driver. Being a taxi driver in New York meant being quite aggressive on the road. Well, Jim did just that, for he “left” driving his taxi after experiencing an incident or two. He never went into detail about that… Probably practicing to race next to Jeff Gordon whom he always loved to follow.

James had a love for traveling. Once he was finished with his college career, he went to Europe and toured England, France and Italy while riding his Norton. He continued to travel throughout his life in other countries as well as across the United States.

James served as an architect for 39 years. In Maine, he worked for the Department of Agriculture. Later on, he was offered and accepted a position working for the Navy (NAVFAC) as a civilian in San Diego, California. Reflecting on his retirement in February of 2014, James had made such a difference in his career. He helped to construct so many buildings and projects from Maine to, Yuma, Arizona to Palm Springs, California etc. Jim was also an influential figure and mentor amongst his co-workers and those who shadowed him.

Jim was a devote Christian who loyally served the Lord. While in Maine, he led a prison ministry for many years, as well as, a college bible ministry at the University of Maine in Orono.

In the year of 2002, James married Stacy and moved to San Diego, California with her daughters Alana and Celeste. They drove across the country in his beloved Dodge Neon with a U-haul trailer hitched behind. When they first arrived, they were searching for a new church family. Jim asked God to show him where he may find such a place. Ironically enough, it wasn’t long before God did just that. On the day Jim went to return the U-haul, it unhitched and stopped in front of Vista La Mesa Christian Church.

This began a new journey in Jim’s life. It was not long before he became an admired and respected member of the church along with his family. He was chair of the board, head of property, an elder, a deacon, and, most significantly, a Sunday school teacher. More than that, he was an active member always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

James was a loving husband and father. He will be greatly missed by many.

Services are to be held at:

Vista La Mesa Christian Church
4210 Massachusetts Ave.
La Mesa, CA, 91941
(619) 463-9909

August 2, 2014
10:00 A.M. Visitation
11:00 A.M. Memorial Service
Luncheon to follow

Donations can be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation in support of the disease:
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bkLTKaOQLmK8E&b=6296735

Or to Sharp Hospice Care as they provide for Jim’s care:
https://give.sharp.com/grossmont-foundation/tribute-hospice