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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
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James Dawson Obituary
October 25, 1934 - June 22, 2025
Rocklin, California - James "Jim" Dawson, a family man, veteran, journalist, author, and proud Texan passed away at age 90 in Rocklin, California.
Jim's newspaper career began at age 6 with a byline in the Elgin Courier and spanned more than 50 years across Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Minnesota, and California. He worked as sports editor at the Riverside Press-Enterprise, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and Sacramento Bee, with all three earning national honors under his leadership. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a radar operator and editor of the Caribbean Command newspaper.
A devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather, Jim was passionate about family, sports, writing, music, travel, and storytelling. He published several books, including his autobiography and a collection of short stories, and completed a historical novel shortly before his passing.
Jim is survived by wife of 51 years Barbara Rowden Dawson, daughters Debbie (Dawson) Nuttall and Doni (Dawson) Donaldson, son-in-law Bill Nuttall; grandchildren Shannon, Andrea, Bill, Daniel, and Robin Nuttall, Tyler and Tara Donaldson; greatgrandchildren, Joseph, Billy, Aidan, Caleb and Aurora; special rescue canine Repeaux.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Dawson
Sponsored by Sacbee.com.
4 Entries
Michael Cardenaz
July 8, 2025
As a young copy editor at The Bee, I remember Jim for organizing the rotisserie baseball league. That was so much fun!
Paula Thorpe
July 5, 2025
Jim Dawson brought grace, wisdom, and quiet strength to The Sacramento Bee´s Sports Department during a pivotal time. In an era when sports journalism was overwhelmingly male, Jim saw potential not just in talent, but in people-and he nurtured both. His calm leadership and genuine respect for others turned a talented group of writers, reporters, and editors into a unified, respected, and award-winning newsroom.
Jim championed diversity long before it was common, building a team that reflected not only excellence but inclusion. Under his guidance, men and women thrived together, covering the world of sports with integrity, depth, and heart.
To his colleagues, Jim was more than an editor-he was a mentor, a steady hand in turbulent times, and a friend who led not with volume, but with vision. His legacy lives on not just in awards and headlines, but in the lives he uplifted and the newsroom culture he quietly transformed.
Tony and Sandi Roullier
June 28, 2025
What a great trip we had to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper! So glad we got to share those good times.
Also glad Jim wanted a house with a view so we could view the Fourth of July fireworks from your backyard with lots of friends! So happy to have a copy of his books!
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Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services6920 Destiny Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677
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