It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of James Allan Sawyer on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, but we still rejoice knowing he has now been made whole and has been welcomed by his Lord and Savior.
James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Susan Knowles Sawyer. Other family members include Neil A. Sawyer (m. Rachel Sawyer), Jennifer L. Kish (m. Joseph R. Kish), and grandsons Joseph T. Kish and Samuel J. Kish.
James was born on August 3, 1943, in Newport News, Virginia. Jim loved his country and chose to enlist in the U.S. Air Force right out of high school. Upon completing 4 years of service, he went to work for the Newport News Shipyard. James chose to enlist again in 1975, this time in the U.S. Army. Upon retirement, he had completed 22 years of service.
His great love of cats and mischievous nature live on in his grandsons.
The family gives special thanks to Berkeley at Short Pump for the loving care and support given to Jim over the past 4 1/2 years.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 6, at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Gardens. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life in the chapel at Peninsula Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. A reception will be held there following the Celebration of Life.