Peabody – James L. Sawyer, age 92 years, beloved husband of the late Barbara A. (McManus) Sawyer, died Saturday morning, May 7, 2016 at the NSMC-Salem Hospital. Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Clayton and Gladys (McCaul) Sawyer. He was educated in the Salem Public Schools. Following high school, he was married to his beloved wife Barbara with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Soon after his marriage, he entered the United States Army Air Corp and served his Country during WWII.

Upon returning home from the War, he was employed with Leach and Heckle Leather Company in Salem. He was a buffer and shop steward for the company, eventually becoming a Business Agent for the International Leather Workers Union. He was employed with them until he was 87 years old.

Mr. Sawyer loved kids and sports resulting in him coaching Salem Little League and Pony League. He lead the kids to play in the championship in Montreal Canada one year.

Surviving him are his children, Barbara Ouellette and her husband Richard of Gloucester, James R. Sawyer of Louisville, KY, his grandchildren, Joseph Quartarone and his wife Kirsten of Dracut, David Quartarone and his wife Linda of Beverly, Barbara Quartarone of Salem, James Sawyer and his wife Jodi and Craig Sawyer all of Louisville, KY, Patti Lagrassa and her husband Todd of Medford and Krissy Devlin of Tewksbury, 14 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren and his long time companion Lulu Rose Smith. He was also pre-deceased by his daughter Patricia L. Sawyer and his son John "Jackie" Sawyer and Great Grandson Anthony Quartarone.

His funeral will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 10 A.M. Visiting hours are at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00P.M. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For those who wish, memorial contributions maybe made to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. For additional information or online guest book please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.