Tulsa World: Observatory's chief geophysicist killed in traffic collision

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Observatory's chief geophysicist killed in traffic collision

Oklahoma Geological Survey Chief Geophysicist Jim Lawson monitors seismic activity from a Leonard observatory recently. Lawson was killed Sunday in a traffic accident near Bixby. Shane Bevel/Tulsa World

By JEFF BILLINGTON World Staff Writer
Published: 8/5/2008 2:07 AM
Last Modified: 8/5/2008 3:25 AM

BIXBY — James E. Lawson, the chief geophysicist at the Oklahoma Geological Survey in Leonard, was killed Sunday afternoon in an automobile accident south of Bixby. He was 69.

Since 1970, Lawson had been documenting earthquakes and tidal waves around the world from the Leonard site.

A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Leonard under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home of Cleveland, Okla.

The accident happened just before 4 p.m. Sunday in the 8500 block of east Oklahoma 64, Bixby Police Officer Michael Konshak said.

Lawson was driving a Honda CRV west when his SUV was struck by an eastbound Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Dylan James Parker, 22, of Bixby.

Witnesses told police that Parker wasn't watching the road and that his SUV crossed the center line several times before the crash, Konshak said.

Lawson was taken to St. Francis Hospital, where he died about 5:20 p.m., Konshak said. Lawson's 3-year-old granddaughter, a front-seat passenger in his SUV, also was taken to St. Francis, where she was treated for several bruises and released.

Parker was not injured, Konshak said.

The accident investigation and report are being forwarded to the District Attorney's Office, and Konshak is requesting that second-degree manslaughter charges be filed against Parker, he said.

Randy Keller, acting director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey, met Lawson in the early 1980s.

"He was just a rock-solid individual, keeping the Oklahoma network going and reporting the events and, of course, hosting some really important international research, back in the early days of the U.S./Russian glasnost, when we were talking about monitoring each other's nuclear tests," Keller said.

"We've been on the map, and we're staying on the map, and it's all thanks to him."

Lawson and Aime Gibson, a research specialist, were the only two employees at the Leonard observatory.

Keller said Lawson "lived and died" keeping the observatory running smoothly.

Lawson enjoyed showing the facility to schoolchildren and often took them to search for fossils at nearby Bixhoma Lake.

"He was very good about that," Keller said. "It wasn't all about earthquakes. He was just a real scientific citizen and communicator to the public. He was always willing to talk to people there and show them around."

Others agreed.

Connie Smith, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Geological Survey, said Lawson "was a real treasure to us because he would work and stay at the Leonard site, no matter what time of day. He was very thorough, very accurate. Jim was a good man, a good person, a good scientist and a good friend."

On June 1, 1990, President George H.W. Bush and Soviet President Mikael Gorbachev signed a protocol for a Russian test building to be located near the observatory.

About seven years later, after the Russia-United Kingdom-United States nuclear testing ended, the Russians gave the site back to the U.S., returning the $1-per-year leased land to Oklahoma.

Lawson created red-and-white street signs, in English and Russian, that still can be seen near the observatory.

"He was so good to the military people and the Soviets who came to visit," Smith said. "I believe they enjoyed him as much as we do. "We can't replace him. We could get someone else to do the work, but we could never get someone to fill his shoes."

Lawson was a longtime volunteer for the American Red Cross, spending much of his free time logging and researching rare blood factors. In 1971, he was honored as an outstanding volunteer, receiving the award from former first lady Pat Nixon.

From the mid-1970s to the early '90s, Lawson helped the Red Cross in research and testing donor samples, Red Cross spokeswoman Jan Hale said.

"He was the only volunteer that ever completed what we called at the time blood-borne technologist classes so that he could work in our lab and help us," Hale said.

Lawson is survived by his daughter, Anna Caton, and a granddaughter, Madelyn Jane Caton, both of Sand Springs.

Jeff Billington 581-8369
jeff.billington@tulsaworld.com By JEFF BILLINGTON World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment woodland32, (8/5/2008 10:26:25 AM) When I was young I remember riding my bike in and around where his laboratory is located. Back then, when I was really young, I thought he was some sort of 'Evil Scientist' because my brother told me about some crazy science lab on top of the mountain. When I finally met Mr. Lawson I completely changed my mind. He was a great, great man. I'm old enough now to actually understand all the amazing work he has done over the years. I think everyone around here knew him personally and we are all going to miss him very much.
	Report Comment thinker, (8/5/2008 7:26:39 PM) I grew up in Leonard ...I always thought it was so cool that the geological survey was located here. I am so sorry for this loss and I am glad that the little girl is ok. I hope the young man involved in the accident heals as well...I am sure he did not mean to hurt anyone....again the smallest of our actions can have great consequences on not only us but others...sad story.
	Report Comment dillon, Tulsa (8/6/2008 1:26:51 AM) Dylan made a small mistake and will have to live with it forever. He does not need to be prosecuted any further. MLG
	Report Comment Okiemommie, Sand Springs (8/6/2008 10:31:46 AM) James "Jim" was a wonderful man who dedicated his life to the observatory, he was also a loving father and grandfather. Us people that knew Jim will never forget his kindness and dedication. I must correct the reporter on this story though. The grandchild was not a front seat passenger, she was buckled in her car seat which was placed in the back seat. Yes, I do know this because I am a close family friend and have personally buckled her in that seat many times. I have also seen Madi since the car accident and she has all the bruises from the straps on her car seat. She did unbuckle herself after the accident and crawl to the front to check on her Papa but that is stated in the police and EMSA reports. I would greatly appreciate the reporter correcting this story because I hate that it makes Jim look like he was being careless. I have spent a lot of time with this child and Jim and know Jim would never be careless with his precious grandchild. Prosecuting Dylan for his careless mistake will not end any of the pain for any of us. It won't bring a daughters father back nor will it help his grandchild Madi who is only 3 understand why she will never get to see her Papa again or erase the images she saw of her Papa after the accident. Dylan will have to live with his mistake for the rest of his life and we can only hope that people will learn from his mistake. Please be cautious of your driving, put the cell phones down, stop messing with the radios, be aware at all times because it only takes a few seconds to make a life altering mistake.
	Report Comment MLa1437545, Gladewater (8/6/2008 8:17:00 PM) I was so sad to here of my cousin's passing today when my sister called with the news. I met Jim back in the either late 70"s or early 80's when my dad, John , Jim's brother , Ed's dad, wanted to swing up through Ok. and Mo. to visit relatives that he had not seen in years. My first wife and I agreed to go along. Our first stop was in Tulsa. We had a great visit with Uncle Ed and Cousin Jim. He took us on a tour of the lab where he worked. I know I stood there with my mouth open most of the time. I was so impressed with the thought of someone I was related to could be talented with the scientific world. I really did not know him that well . I know people always have regrets afterwards. That's what I'm doing now .I hope that we can start staying in touch with our remaining relatives a little better. Mike Lawson
	Report Comment MLa1437545, Gladewater (8/6/2008 8:25:07 PM) Sorry , it was Ed's brother , Jim's dad

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