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James Dawson Obituary
James Robert Dawson "Jim", 75, passed away at his Marietta home on April 20, 2022. The second of Anne and George Dawson's three children, he spent his youth in Maspeth, NY and St. Claire, PA. In 1962, Jim met Hedy Zielinski the love of his life. Married in 1967, they remained inseparable, loving partners to the end.
Jim joined the Marine Corps in 1964 and proudly served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart. A dedicated conservationist, he earned a degree in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont. A master's degree in Information Technology from Fairly Dickinson University later followed. His talent for photography was a lifelong pursuit and a vehicle for his natural curiosity and love of storytelling.
In 1995 Jim's passion for learning and people spurred him to found ADI Performance, a training and employee enablement organization, currently a division of ADI Marketing. An active member of Toastmasters International, he served as District Governor from 1989-90 and led District 14 to #1 in the world.
Jim is survived by his wife Hedy; daughter Jennifer, her husband John Smith and daughter Emma; son James, his wife Hillary, daughter Kayla, son Tyler and stepson Rory; brother Dan and family; sister Mickey and his all-but-blood brother Ed Zwisler and his wife Aurora.
Jim was committed to creating positive change in the lives of others and protecting our wild places. He valued relationships and if you knew Jim, you forever had a champion in your corner. In this spirit, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Defenders of Wildlife or The Chattahoochee Nature Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Dawson
Rich Hart
May 1, 2022
My Heart felt prayers go out to the entire family for my dear friend Jim Dawson... it's hard to put in words; the deep friendship that we shared along the small journey of 20+ years. A Friend and Mentor of the communication world who spent his life devoted to the love of people, nature and family of friends & student of the speaking and communication world. You will be missed my friend... more than you will ever know !!! Be at peace my friend and we'll catch up on another day on the main stage once again...
The Harold Manley Family
April 27, 2022
Sharing your sorrow and sadness. With sympathy Clara Manley and Family.
Jacqueline McFarland
April 27, 2022
I have known Jim since early days Toastmasters. He has always been giving with his knowledge, his inspiration. He has been a meaningful important friend to me. I have loved, valued and respected him over the years.
Tawanna Alston
April 27, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Jim. He was an excellent instructor with the LDA I program (Newport News VA). May God continue to strengthen during this time.
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Aletha Russell
April 26, 2022
He was the speaker who would call people out. However, once you got to know him and his style you appreciated him calling you out. I learned a tremendous amount of Information both times he spoke at our Leadership Development classes. He will truly be missed.
Mike Dethlefs
April 26, 2022
By far the best speaker and motivational person I've encountered while driving home the message of what's important in life.
Tracey Shands
April 26, 2022
My Many thanks ti him, he will be missed. S.I.P.
Brian Slater
April 26, 2022
My condolences on the your loss. Jim was an excellent instructor and a fellow jarhead. In our brief interactions he taught me alot and shared some worldly advice.
Rob McGoldrick
April 26, 2022
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to Jim's family. As others have said he was a wonderful and giving person. Jim was a generous person and an inspiring leader. He mentored and coached me for many years while I was a Toastmaster. A gentle man with a big heart.
April Kornegay
April 26, 2022
My deepest sympathies for your loss. May you find comfort during this difficult time of loss and may Jim RIP.
Curtis Garnett
April 26, 2022
My condolences to the family. Mr. Dawson was an awesome instructor. I learned a lot from him. I really enjoyed talking with him after a session. He really made you think about the best way to manage and life in general. He will be missed.
Luis Ramirez
April 26, 2022
Sending prayers and love to the family. Remember him for the great man he was and celebrate his life for he will always be with us and we will meet again. All he gave everyone was positivity and great guidance. You will never be forgotten Jim.
With Love,
Luis Ramirez
Juan Carlos Morgado Jofre
April 26, 2022
Jim, lead us to our uttermost haven, heaven.
Monica Arrington
April 25, 2022
I´m so sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful man, he will be missed. I will keep you all in my prayers. Condolences.
Trushar Mody
April 25, 2022
My condolences to the Dawson Family.
Jim was more than a Mentor to me. He was a Friend, Coach and a Partner.
He was a Thought Leader and a great Listener, always eager to help. He was direct, insightful and thought provoking
Fond memories linger about our travels together and conversations at the Airport.
I will miss him and his words of wisdom.
Trushar Mody
April 25, 2022
Jim was more than a Mentor to me. He was a Friend, Coach and a Partner.
He was a Thought Leader and a great Listener, always eager to help. He was direct and thought provoking
Fond memories linger about our travels together and conversations at the Airport.
I will miss him and his words of wisdom.
Cynthia JOYNER Slaton
April 24, 2022
My condolences to the family. Jim and I met at AT&T. We worked together in building the Windward Speakers Toastmaster´s Club where Jim was an outstanding leader. Our paths crossed again at PMI Atlanta. Jim was always leading and teaching. He was a great man.
Steve Williams
April 24, 2022
In May of 1990, I was a "raw recruit" when I attended my first Toastmasters Spring Conference in Warner Robins. That is where I met PDG Jim who was just finishing his term as our 1989-90 DG. Jim set a high standard for those of us who would later become district governor. In the following years, Jim has been a friend and mentor to us and IMHO we owe a major debt of gratitude to him for our success. Mary and I are keeping Jim and his family in our prayers.
Steve Williams, DTM, Past District 14 Governor 2004-2005
Sue Harmon
April 24, 2022
My deepest condolences to all of Jim´s family and friends. I knew Jim through my volunteer work with Georgia ForestWatch where I saw the amazing work he did capturing video interviews with the organization´s founders. As well he served on the board for many years and brought other leaders to the organization. I so enjoyed hiking with Jim and his sweet Emma on one of the ForestWatch outings many years ago. I could see his deep compassion for the natural world and appreciated all the work he did to support conservation efforts through ForestWatch.
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