James M. "Jim" Dawson's Obituary
Decatur – James M. “Jim” Dawson, 91, of Decatur, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 30, 2017.
Jim was born July 2, 1926 in Sterling, IL, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (McCormick) Dawson. A WWII Navy Veteran, Jim proudly served his country in the Armed Guard in the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. An outstanding football player in high school, Jim went on to play at the collegiate level at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN. After college Jim was drafted by the Washington Redskins and later was inducted into his high school and college football Halls of Fame. Jim was V.P. at Wilkins Pipe & Supply retiring in 1991. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, past Faithful Navigator and member of Very Rev. Jeremiah J. Murphy Assembly #211, Knights of Columbus Darrell W. Beck Council #577, and past member of the City of Decatur Civil Service Commission. He married Suzanne Vonachen on June 26, 1948 in Peoria, IL.
Christened “Poppo” by his grandchildren, Jim was the ultimate family man who relished hosting the Dawson clan and friends every Sunday. Four generations enjoyed the pool, Cubs games on television, watching football, and devouring his legendary popcorn. He lived to see his beloved Cubbies win the World Series.
Surviving is his wife of 69 years, Suzanne of Decatur; children: Mike (Marilyn) Dawson of Decatur, Pat (Ann) Dawson of Decatur, Tom (Cathy) Dawson of Lathrop, CA, Jerry (Rebecca) Dawson of Decatur, Marta (Steve) Kolbeck of Gardner, KA, and Maggie (Carl) McGehee of Macon; eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, five step grandchildren and eight step great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bob, sisters: Betty and Babe and grandson Andy.
Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be at 10 AM Friday, August 4, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Rev. Richard Weltin, main celebrant. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Thursday, August 3, 2017 in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Boiling Springs Cemetery, Decatur with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Wounded Warriors Project or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
The Dawson family is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
Video Tribute for James M. “Jim” Dawson: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/BB4LPCPZNTTN5WGY
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