Jimmie Lee Lawson, 74, of Cottage Grove passed away Sept. 25, 2017 in Eugene, Ore.

He was born Oct. 1, 1942 in Chicago, Ill. to Anna Mae Lawson.

Jimmie graduated from East Aurora High School in 1959. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War where he was a SP4 Specialist and mechanic. Jimmie was very passionate about his military service, patriotism and fellow veterans.

He married his life partner of 32 years, Patricia Manning, on Dec. 19, 2015 in Cottage Grove.

He worked for Transparts in Portland, Ore. as a mechanic, retiring in 2008.

Jimmie was an avid car enthusiast of classic cars and refurbished old gas pumps with his creativity and artistry and would take yearly road trips on Route 66.

Survivors include his wife, three sons, Michael Manning of Vancouver, Wash., Parrish Lawson of Wyoming and Sean Lawson of Delaware, one daughter, Chenita Lawson of Aurora, Ill., and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

Jimmie was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae Lawson.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at Roseburg National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove.