James A Lawin

James Lawin, 82, Dickinson, passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2025. He was born September 23, 1943 in Minneapolis, the son of Arthur and Lorraine (Peterson) Lawin. They moved to Long Prairie, Minnesota when he was five. He had a great childhood, spending summers at their cottage on Birch Lake, becoming the owner of his own boat with a little Johnson motor at age 8. He graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1961, and received a Naval Academy appointment, graduating in 1965 with an engineering degree. He served aboard ship through 1969, and was honorably discharged as a lieutenant after posts in California, Hawaii, Philippines, Vietnam and Japan.

Jim married Mary Sue Reiter in Beach North Dakota on June 19, 1971. His only child Erika was born in 1974, bringing much joy to his life. He worked the money desk at Northwestern Bank in Minneapolis and attended law school at night until 1976, then moved to Beach to manage the in-law's department store. He was active in golf league, bowling league, and especially the American Legion Post in Beach. He loved to travel, and planned dozens of incredible vacations for his family.

In 1995 they moved to Bismarck where he started a new career as a registered stock broker. He and Mary moved to Dickinson in 2005 to be nearer to Erika and her new baby and to help his ailing in-laws. He was kind and generous, and enjoyed being the "detail" man.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Art and Lorraine Lawin, his in-laws Hank and Helen Reiter, and his brothers in-law William Hallquist, Everett Sykora and Ted Reiter.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Mary; his daughter Erika Snow, grandchildren Daisy Snow and James Snow of Crane MT; his sister Janet Hallquist of Burlison TN; sisters in-law Janet Sykora of St Cloud MN and Marsha Reiter of Hatton ND; and 7 nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the ND Veterans Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are being handled by Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson ND. Please honor this Navy veteran in your thoughts and prayers.