James G. Lawler ’59

Jim, a longtime resident of Princeton, died peacefully Aug. 12, 2021. 

He came to Princeton from the Riverdale Country School in New York City, and while with us he majored in English, worked at WPRB, ate at Key & Seal, and roomed with Dryfoos, Sandquist, and Rock. He left at the end of junior year to marry Barbara Buchman, a union lasting more than 60 years, and transferred to Columbia, from which he graduated in 1960. He maintained strong ties to Princeton throughout his life, serving for 12 years on the board of governors of the Princeton Club of New York. He was a fixture at Princeton’s home football games and tailgates, as well as Reunions and class functions.

Jim worked in the restaurant business for most of his career, founding his own firm, JGL Management Services. Working with his daughter, Tracy, they principally catered to restaurants and cafes in cultural institutions throughout the New York metropolitan area and the U.S. In later years, Jim and Barbara spelled their Princeton time with winters in Punta Gorda, Fla. A man of many interests, Jim enjoyed and was avid about bridge, golf, squash, skiing, and travel.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara; children Kathy, Tracy, and Chris; and seven grandchildren. We have sent condolences.