James "JJ" Hawthorne, Jr. was born on September 29, 1969 in Springfield, MO and was called home unexpectedly on February 23, 2021. He was the son of James Alvin Hawthorne, Sr. and Carolyn Jean (Huddelston) Hawthorne.

JJ attended Central High School, class of 1987, where he played football and wrestled.  He joined Pitts Chapel United Methodist in at an early age. As a welder, JJ worked for Trinity Welding Services in Springfield, MO, building box cars for the railroad.  In 2009, JJ moved to Las Vegas, NV.

He loved his family, and will be remembered for his optimism, contagious smile, perseverance, and captivating storytelling.  JJ enjoyed life and loved sports.  One of his greatest pleasures in life was being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

JJ is survived by his wife LaTasha (Ferguson) Hawthorne of Springfield, MO; daughters, Rheaya Goodwin of Springfield, MO; A'Jay Hawthorne of Independence, MO; and Cierra Parson of Las Vegas, NV. His mother, Carolyn Hawthorne of Las Vegas, NV; father, James Hawthorne, Sr. (Marti) of Springfield, MO; sisters, Lezlee Brown of Belton, MO; Jeanetta Edmond of Las Vegas, NV; Jacqueline (Claude) Nicol of Englewood, OH; Jayme (Kelly) Perryman of Boise, ID; and brothers, Stephon Fewell-Hawthorne and Le Dan Fewell-Hawthorne both of Springfield, MO.  Two grandchildren, Je'Ceon Green and Je'Veon Hawthorne both of Independence, MO.  He also leaves to cherish a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home at 10:30 am. A visitation will precede the service from 9:00 to service time.