Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Friday, March 20, 2026.
James L. “Jim” Hawkins was a loving husband, devoted father, distinguished construction attorney, international skating official, and lifelong athlete whose passions left a lasting mark on his profession and on the sports of soccer, speedskating and figure skating.
A Captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean conflict, Jim built a renowned career in construction law as a shareholder with Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. in St. Louis, earning recognition in The Best Lawyers in America and as a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers.
A top-ranked amateur speedskater in his youth, Jim devoted over 60 years and 14 Winter Olympic Games to the sport. He was a founder of what is now US Speedskating, managed the U.S. team at the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, and served as legal advisor to the International Skating Union beginning in 1996. He was inducted into the Speedskating Hall of Fame in 2006, received the Olympic Order from the IOC in 2007, and was named an ISU Honorary Member in 2010. He also spearheaded the effort to build the St. Louis Soccer Park, playing competitive soccer himself until age 90.
Jim is survived by his six children and their spouses: John and Mary Jane; Julie and Greg Humme; Kathy and David Butler; Larry and Nancy; Jeff and Monica; and Michael and Deane Hawkins. He was the beloved grandfather of Shawn and Brian Hawkins; Elizabeth Brush, Jason Kellar, Michael Humme, and Kristin Schwarz; Chris and Jim Butler; Lily and Jimmy Hawkins; Andrea and Nicholas Hawkins; and Tommy and Daniel Hawkins; and cherished great-grandfather of Peyton and Cameryn Brush; Blake and Ada JoAnne Kellar; Jameson Humme; and Harrison and Penelope Schwarz.
Special Papi to Margot Zambrana, Carmen, Sandra, Isabella, Alejandro and Valentina. Special uncle to Melany (Art) Kniffen.
Jim is now reunited with his beloved wife of over 55 years, JoAnne Seabold, who preceded him in death in 2012. He was also preceded by daughter Susan Carol. Dear brother of the late Robert (Pauline) Hawkins, and friend to everyone. He will be deeply missed.
Services: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM. Funeral Mass Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (Shrewsbury). In lieu of flowers, contributions appreciated to the Miriam School, 501 Bacon Ave., 63119 or Our Lady’s Inn, 4223 S. Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111.