James Carey "Jim" Hawk, age 79 of Smithville  and native of Panama City, FL, passed away Monday, February 25, 2019 at his residence.

Jim attended Bay County High School in Panama City, FL and graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Building Construction in 1963. While at Auburn he was active in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and served as treasurer. During his career as a project manager, he led the construction of many hospitals, office buildings, and churches. Jim started his career with Henry C. Beck in Atlanta and later moved to Nashville to oversee the construction of what was known then as the National Life building. Upon completing that project, he desired to stay in Nashville and began working for Joe M. Rodgers and Associates. In 1979, Jim co-founded American Constructors - a general contractor and construction management firm in Nashville. After retiring from construction in 1989, Jim moved to Smithville where he enjoyed his family, fishing, and faith. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Algood, TN.He was born January 26, 1940 in Chipley, FL to his parents, the late Carey Judson Hawk and Janie Watford Hawk Helland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Hawk Phillips.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Ann Hawk of Smithville; two daughters, Helen (Jason) Morse of Smithville and Sarah (A.J.) Swafford of Fosterville, TN; eight grandchildren, Evan and Summer Morse, Isaac, Caleb, Anna, Rachel, David and Lydia Swafford; 1 brother, Gerald F. (Kay) Hawk of Birmingham, AL; one sister, Shirlea Hawk Caswell of Fairhope, AL.

A Private family graveside service was held at Gath Cemetery.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.