James Douglas Sawyer, Sr.

Sun Prairie- James H. Sawyer, Sr., age 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Meriter Hospital, Madison. He was born on March 14, 1930 in Chicago, IL the son of Jacob & Minetta (Harding) Sawyer.  James was united in marriage to Sally Miles on June 10, 1986 in Glenview, IL.  Mr. Sawyer was a longtime resident of the Chicago area and for the past 5 years a resident of Sun Prairie.  James served his country with the U.S.A.F.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Madison and was active donating his time and talents to the church's food pantry for the needy.  Mr. Sawyer was a talented writer, lyricist, voice actor and poet. Some of his noted work was the poem titled ""Somebody's Child"" which was written about the Oklahoma City bombing and which was read at the service.  He also wrote the lyrics for ""I Wish I Were an Oscar Mayer Weiner"" while working in advertising.   James was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and  A.F.T.R.A.  actors' unions. He also possessed a ""green thumb"" who loved to grow plants and flowers and whose talents will be on display at the funeral home. Mr. Sawyer was an alumnus of Drake University and a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.  He will be missed by his beloved family which include his wife, Sally of Sun Prairie;  his children, Lezlie (Daniel) Cohen, Frisco, TX, James (Phyllis) Sawyer, Jr., Deerfield, IL and Christopher (Jeannine) Sawyer, Cartersville, GA; his stepson, Scott Walker, Madison; grandchildren, Danielle & Jeremy Cohen and Allison & Mallory Sawyer; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cress Funeral Home, Sun Prairie with Rev. G. Keith Schroerlucke officiating.  Military graveside rites will follow in Sun Prairie Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 from 4-7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials would be appreciated to the First United Methodist Food Pantry.   Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie, WI www.cressfuneralservice.com