James Shannon Sawyers

James “Jim” Sawyers

1970 – 2026

There are some people who leave behind a space that can never truly be filled. Jim is one of those people.

On June 1, 2026, Jim’s final game clock ran out, but the impact he made on the people who loved him will continue for generations.

Jim was many things throughout his 56 years—son, husband, father, grandfather, sports fanatic, friend, storyteller, protector, and the kind of person who could make a stranger feel like an old friend. While those titles describe him, they don’t fully capture the man everyone knew and loved.

If there was a game on television, Jim was watching it. His heart belonged to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and The Ohio State Buckeyes, but his love for sports went far beyond favorite teams. Baseball, football, basketball, racing, golf—it didn’t matter. If someone was keeping score, Jim was invested. Sports gave him joy, but the people sitting beside him while he watched meant even more.

Of all the roles Jim played in life, being a husband was one of his greatest. He shared a love story with his wife, Tricia, that brought laughter, companionship, and unwavering devotion. Though she was not his first love, she was proudly and undeniably his last—the person who stood beside him through life’s victories and defeats, cheering him on every step of the way.

Jim’s greatest legacy lives on through his family. He was a proud father to Bree (Tyler) Arigoni, Ja (Michael) Sawyers, Christian (Kirsten) Sawyers, Andrea (Abbey) Sciacca, and Matt (Echo) Hatfield. Whether by blood or by choice, he loved his children fiercely and without condition.

Nothing brought a bigger smile to Jim’s face than being Papaw. His ten grandchildren filled his life with pride, laughter, and purpose, and he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of another little Sawyers boy who will grow up hearing stories about the remarkable man whose name and spirit live on.

Jim’s love wasn’t reserved only for people. He adored his three faithful fur babies—Maui, Chip, and Cinnamon—who were never far from his side and always held a special place in his heart.

Jim is survived by his loving parents, Jim and Rose Sawyers; his devoted wife, Tricia Sawyers; his children and grandchildren; countless extended family members; and an army of friends who became family along the way.

If you knew Jim, you probably have a story. A game watched together. A laugh shared. A conversation you’ll never forget. A time when he showed up when it mattered most. Those memories are now his lasting gift to all of us.

Jim would not want to be remembered for the day he died. He would want to be remembered for the life he lived—the touchdowns celebrated, the home runs cheered, the Saturdays spent watching the Buckeyes, the family gatherings, the jokes, the love, and the countless moments that seemed ordinary at the time but now mean everything.

So when the Steelers take the field, when the Pirates take the diamond, when the Buckeyes play on Saturday, or whenever a game comes on and you find yourself reaching for the remote, think of Jim. Cheer a little louder. Laugh a little harder. Hug your family a little longer.

That would be a tribute worthy of him.

Because while the final score has been posted, the love Jim gave and the memories he created will never be finished.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever part of the team.

A small memorial will take place on Sunday June 14th from 11-1 at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home (4341 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201). There will be a Celebration of life from 2-6 that same day at the VFW in Sunbury, Ohio 43074.