James Edward “Hawk” Hawthorne, Sr. was born December 18, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Laura and William Henry Hawthorne. He attended East Technical High School in Cleveland and enlisted in the United States Airforce upon graduation. While in the Air Force, he worked as a Telegraph Lineman, earning a Marksman qualification and the WWII Victory Medal.  After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he returned to Ohio and began his post-military career. He worked a few jobs before beginning his time as a mail carrier. After 30 years of serving the Akron, Ohio area, He proudly retired from the US Postal Service.  Along with being a mailman, He filled his 92 years of life with many activities and memories. Golfing tee times were rarely missed and he could be found playing 18 holes with friends on any given Sunday.  Titleist golf balls and short sleeve golf shirts were the go-to Father’s Day and Birthday gifts. Along with golf, He was an avid bowler. You could find him at just about any bowling alley in the Akron, Canton, and Cleveland areas.

It was through his love for bowling he earned the nickname, “Hawk.” With his deep resonating voice, he would belt out Christmas carols during the holidays, threatening to take his “show on the road”. The VFW, the Silver Slipper, and the HI-DE-HO were his favorite places to relax and spend time with friends. He played the lottery and his favorite numbers were 982 and 524. He would expect someone to keep 976 in this week for him, a dollar straight, a dollar box. Also, if anyone here needs to pay up because he bet that he would pass before you, please see one of the children on your way out! He taught his children to roller skate, swim, ride bikes, play pool and drive. He showed anyone that met him that taking risks, working hard, and enjoying friends and family is what life is all about.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Laura Hawthorne; brother, William “Bill” Hawthorne; wife, Willa Mae (McAlpine) Hawthorne, from that union three children; wife, Virginia (Medley) Hawthorne from that union one child; nephew, William “Bobo” Hawthorne Jr.; grandchildren, Reuel Hawthorne and James (Jamie) Hawthorne III.

He is survived by his children, Don (Hawk Jr.) Hawthorne of Cleveland OH, Julia Johnson of Akron, OH, James Hawthorne Jr. of Cleveland OH, and Amy (Vernon) Sargent of Akron, OH; honorary children, Donna “Cookie” Fisher of Cleveland, OH and Robert Henry of Akron, OH; niece, Rosalyn (William) Rego of New City, NY; grandchildren, Donya Childers, Dion Sherrod, Ennaoj Hawthorne, Donita Hawthorne, Reginald (Hawk III) Hawthorne, and Kayla Bowens; and a  host of great-grandchildren;  great-great-grandchildren, other family and friends, all of whom will cherish his memory.