James "Jim" Lawless, 88, of Port St. Lucie, FL passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at his home.

Born in Paterson, NJ he had been a resident of Port St. Lucie for 36 years coming from Paterson.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

He served as the second Mayor of Port St. Lucie from 1990 to1992. Prior to becoming mayor he served on the city council. Before coming to Florida, he was the Deputy Chief of Police for the Paterson, NJ Police Department. He also worked with the Broward County Florida Sheriff's Office.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Port St. Lucie, he had been the president of the International Police Association, the president of the Port St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce and the Exchange Club.

Survivors include his wife of 40years, Marilyn Lawless of Port St. Lucie; his sons, James O. Lawless of Fort Pierce, FL and Michael R. Lawless of Port St. Lucie; his grandson, Michael R. Lawless Jr. of Port St. Lucie and a niece, Karen Coons and her husband David of Port St. Lucie. He was preceded in death by his Sister Janet Hamilton.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the Aycock Funeral Home, 1504 SE Floresta Drive, Port St. Lucie. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, 260 SW Prima Vista Boulevard, Port St. Lucie.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Forest Hills Funeral Home, Palm City.