Mr. James L. Sawyer of Highland, AR departed this life on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the family residence at the age of 74 years, 7 months and 20 days.  He was born Friday, April 12, 1946 in Kennett, MO and lived in Highland for the last twenty-five years formerly of Trumann.  He was the son of the late William Milton and Louise Woods Sawyer .  James was of the Assembly of God faith and loved to garden and play music.  He was a Viet Nam veteran of the US Army and a member of the VFW.   He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, 1 brother and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary Paulette Sawyer of the home; three sons, James  Sawyer of Lake City, AR., Gregory Sawyer and Johnny (Miranda) Sawyer all of Williford; two daughters, Mindy (Tom) Jordan of Cherokee Village, and Misty (Marty) Karr of Highland; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lee Sawyer of Lake City, AR., and Bill Sawyer of Manila, AR; four sisters Clara Sawyer of Lake City, Marie Bell of Williford, Carla Arana of West Helena and Lizzie Chisnall of Lake City.       Graveside service will be Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jim Duffel officiating in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye, AR.           I n compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing will be required along with face masks and the signing of a COVID-19 form will be required.       Online guest book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.