James Ellis Dawson

James Ellis Dawson (Jim), loving father, grandpa and friend, went to Heaven April 28, 2024 in Harrah, OK.
Jim was the youngest of the four children of Rockleigh and Ellen Dawson, born June 2, 1954. He was a member of the Chickasaw Nation and very proud of his family heritage. He graduated from Midwest City High School and was a proud Bomber. In 1978, he married his former wife, Teresa Dawson, who he shared his three daughters with: Lindsay Dawson, Jamie Judd and Abby Malchi. He took pride in all his jobs over the years, from working at his parent's family owned "Dawson's Furniture Store" in Midwest City, to his sales jobs at US Foods and Ben E. Keith, that eventually opened another door in the food industry of owning his own restaurant in Choctaw, a dream he had for years, "Dawson's Restaurant". Jim also enjoyed working with his dear friend Jim Parks at Parks Brothers Funeral Home.
Jim loved his girls. When they were little, he enjoyed taking them to the lake and skiing, he also loved their trips to Little Sahara. He was extremely adventurous, driving dune buggies up the highest mountains he could find. You could always find him on the sidelines of any of his girls' games, whether coaching or spectating, he was there, hollering (sometimes at umpires or refs!) and taking pride in knowing his girls' teams were always the best.
Believe it or not, every year, the day after Thanksgiving, Jim would turn into Clark Griswold. He and Teresa always made sure Christmas was the most magical time at their house for their girls. He also had a love for music he instilled in his girls as well. Some of his absolute favorites were George Strait, Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, we could go on and on. Many of these artists songs are anthems from the girls' childhoods and could likely be heard blaring at one of the Dawson's 4th of July parties, or on his porch at the lake. He had a love for Nascar and years ago started collecting Hot Wheel Nascar mini's. They fill his garage on the wall and if you had asked him, he could probably tell you when he purchased or was gifted each car. He was an avid Sooners fan, through all the highs and lows. If it was a Saturday in the Fall and the Sooners were playing, we knew to be expecting our weekly "BOOMER!" text from dad.
Jim had a passion for cooking and smoking meat. His most requested recipe was probably his famous chili or BBQ sauce. He loved to participate in Harrah's Pigs in the Park. He enjoyed cooking for friends, family, and people in his community. He often smoked BBQ for the Harrah City staff and Harrah Fire Department to show his appreciation for them and his support for all they do.
Jim felt at home tinkering around in the garage and making sure his yard was pristine. When his girls were close to getting their drivers licenses, his famous words were "you've gotta' conquer the lawnmower first." If you couldn't find Jim, he was likely to be found out working in his shop on his next new project. There wasn't a mechanical issue or problem he couldn't fix – "This ain't my first rodeo," as he would say! With hard work and that mindset, he'd get anything done. Jim showed his love for others through his actions. If you called, he was there to help. He never met a stranger. If he called you a friend, you could count on him for anything. His love of animals led him to rescue his two dogs he loved dearly, Coco and Lucky.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Rockleigh S. Dawson and his mother, Ellen S. Dawson; and his brother Robert R. Dawson.
Jim is survived by his three daughters he shared with his former wife of 26 years, Teresa Dawson: Lindsay Dawson of Moore, Jamie Judd of Tulsa, and Abby Malchi and husband Grant, of Tulsa; His five amazing grandchildren, Dawson, Collins and Fitz Judd; and Blake and Paige Malchi; Longtime Companion, Bernadette Klimkowski, Harrah, OK; Brother, Rockleigh Dawson Jr. and wife Polly, Houston, TX; Sister Mary Cook, Mesquite, TX; Cousin Diane Moentish, OKC, OK; along with many loved nephews, nieces and amazing friends.
He was always the coolest guy in the room. People were drawn to him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
No services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society: https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/In-Loving-Memory-of-Jim-Dawson
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