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James Dawson Obituary
James Richard Dawson, known to all as "Jimmy," 73, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at his home in Hollywood, Florida.
Born to Dennis and Virginia (Swords) Dawson in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he graduated in 1971 from Bassick High School, where he met his former wife, but great, long-term friend, Francesca Walker (Dawson). After high school, he served honorably in the United States Navy for two years.
Jimmy is survived by his loving daughters, Maureen Johnston (Keith Johnston) and Kristine Sterner (George Baranowsky); and four adored grandchildren, Olivia, Brody, Violet and Jack. He is also survived by cousins in Florida: Joe Perez (Deborah), and Peter Perez, both of whom were like brothers to him. His pride extended to their children, Danny (Katie), Mike (Meli), and Joey (Adriana), whom he cherished as a proud uncle.
He began his working life at UPS as a proud Teamster and, after moving to Florida in 1991, spent many dedicated years at Omega Containers until his retirement last year.
Jimmy loved life's simple pleasures: Sunday coffee talks with close friends, "solving all the world's problems", daily loving emails to his daughters, and cheering for his Yankees and Jets (finding joy and disappointment in equal measure).
Sober since May 1, 1991, he was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, sponsoring and inspiring many on their journeys. He found peace fishing in the Florida Keys, spinning elaborate stories of albino alligators and giant snakes, and sharing laughter with all who knew him.
As per his wishes, no formal service will be held. His ashes will be spread in Bridgeport, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Dawson
Jim Minary
September 7, 2025
Jimmy was a dear friend of mind since I met him in 1991. I was his AA sponsor for many years. I even lived with him in Hollywood in his first location for a year until I was transferred to Tampa. We spoke often. My wife and I love him very much. I keep trying to call Jimmy and he did not answer my calls. I just happened to do a name search and found out that Jimmy went home to his Heavenly Father. I will miss him dearly. He was a great guy who loved his wife and daughters.
Cyril Morrow
August 24, 2025
Jimmy and I have been friends for thirty years and shared many ups and downs. He always had a deep faith that everything would work out ok. Jimmy has earned his wings, and I will miss him dearly. Take care my old shipmate. Godspeed, Cyril
Paul D
July 24, 2025
My condolences to Jimmy´s family and friends. What a great guy he was. He was long time friends with my cousin Gerald Morgan. I always enjoyed speaking with Jimmy. RIP.
Sharon Colihan
July 23, 2025
My most sincere condolences to the family on Jimmy's passing. I worked with Jimmy and the Perez's at 3030 Park in Bridgeport when it opened in the late 60's. Many fond memories, especially the kitchen water fights! Rest in peace.
Loretta Rice Ballard
July 23, 2025
RIP JIMMY. PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES TO ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Kathy Ivers
July 23, 2025
My deepest condolences for your loss. I knew Jimmy for many years at Hollywood Happy Hour and he spoke so highly of his family, and with such pride!!!!! He loved you all so very much! I will miss him.
Edward Burns Shabazz Sr
July 23, 2025
My deepest condolences and sympathy for James and family memories. Eddie Burns Shabazz Sr.
James P Kinsella
July 23, 2025
We were great friends !!!
Roland Rioux
July 23, 2025
Jim was our brother in law he will be miss God bless
Him. Roland and Mary Rioux.
stephen ewer
July 21, 2025
We have great memories of vacations and camping trips with Jim and his family. We have the utmost respect for him, he will be missed.
Steve & Priscilla
A Fellow US Navy Sailor
July 21, 2025
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate. Your watch is over, rest in peace.
Jerry Diana
July 20, 2025
I hadn´t talked to Jimmy in a long time but I always thought about him and some of the crazy things we did together. Rest in peace buddy.
Salvatore Salamanca
July 20, 2025
Sad day for all who knew Jim, my brother in law. Jim had a big heart. RIP!
Norm Lebel
July 20, 2025
Gone, way too soon. Condolences to Jimmy´s family and friends. Your words of encouragement have been most appreciated Jimmy. Bless you in the big meeting upstairs.
Susan Casalotti
July 20, 2025
I just wanted to offer my condolences to Jimmy`s family. I am one of the many people that he helped in AA. His strength and his humor were comforting, and I will miss him.
Bob and Liz Beaumont
July 19, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about Jim, We both worked with him back in the day, And were friends. He loved his family . We´ll be praying for you all to have the strength to get you through this difficult time.
Danny J Sekelsky
July 19, 2025
I met Jimmy when I started working at UPS in Bridgeport. He definitely was a funny character, we had great times outside of work as well.
He will be missed by all. My condolences to his family.
Cathi DeRosa
July 19, 2025
What a loss for so many. He helped so many people get their lives together and always had a kind word for me. What a truly great man.
Francesca Walker (Dawson)
July 19, 2025
I will never forget you Jim. We have two wonderful children, Maureen and Kristine. May you rest in peace.
Jimmy Carroll
July 19, 2025
Jimmy we had lots of laughs over the years and our Sunday run to the Coral Room with the boys In The Fellowship Of The Spirt my friend.
Gary Moher
July 19, 2025
He made his life better and helped others improve theirs. It was fun knowing you Jim. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to Fran, Maureen and Kristine.
Gary Moher
July 19, 2025
Definitely an unforgettable character in my life. We used to have lunch in recent years when he was passing thru CT. to visit Kristine in New Hampshire. I always told him how proud I was of him for joining AA and for being a mentor to so many people.
Gary Moher
July 19, 2025
I'm so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. We worked together at Sears in Bpt. during the 1970's and I followed him to UPS in1978 where we worked together for many years. He was a prankster extraordinaire! He had us laughing all the time!
Tom Moores
July 19, 2025
Jimmy was a little older then me.
He always looked out for me throughout our time in Sacred Heart Grammar School and also Bridgeport Original Little League.
God bless you, Jimmy D.
Maureen Johnston
July 18, 2025
My dad absolutely loved working at Omega containers with the Perez's.
John-Ricky and Karen Salko
July 18, 2025
Going to miss you Jimmy-Rest in peace.
Bobby Somers
July 18, 2025
RIP Uncle Jimmy!
Mark M
July 18, 2025
One of a real true friend who always always lent a helping hand with a little sarcasm behind it lol I will never forget my true friend
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