James F. Lawton III, of Woburn formerly of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully April 26, 2025 at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington following a brief illness. Born in Woburn he was the cherished son of Elizabeth "Betty" (Scalley) Lawton of Woburn and the late James F. Lawton, Jr.

James was raised and educated in Woburn and was a 1971 graduate of Woburn High School. Following high school James began a long career working with the B&M Railroad. He worked as a Flagman and Trackman as well as several different positions with the Railroad. He retired following a career of more than forty years. Over the years James enjoyed spending time at his family's summer home at Seabrook Beach in New Hampshire. He also looked forward to his annual pilgrimage with his brothers to Saratoga, New York, where together they enjoyed the horse races and each other’s company. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his late father, James is sadly predeceased by his son, James F. Lawton IV, and his sister, Virginia Lawton Duffett.

He is survived by his loving granddaughter Lydia Lawton of Lexington and his brothers, David J. Lawton of New York City, NY, Peter J. Lawton, Paul E. Lawton and his wife Maureen, Christopher R. Lawton and his wife Terrilynn, Thomas W. Lawton and his wife Mary, all of Woburn. He is further survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Thursday, May 1st, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd., Woburn, at 11:30 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in James' memory to the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, 1 Charles Gardner Lane, Woburn, MA 01801.