James Dawley

1948 - 2021

James Dawley

October 22, 1948 - January 5, 2021

James (Jimmy) Dawley, age 72, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully with family beside him on January 5, 2021 in Manitou Beach, Michigan after a brave battle with cancer. Jimmy was also known to his family and friends as Uncle Jimmy or Chunk.

Jim was like a fresh morning snow, he possessed a stillness that could not be ignored. He was a kind, gentle soul that would do anything for anyone. And if you experienced the winter scenery on January 5th in Manitou Beach, Michigan, you knew anything and everything you would want to know about him.

Jim loved cooking and creating gourmet meals for friends and loved ones. His Mexican dishes would rival the best restaurants. Big Dziadz named him, "Jim, the Pancho Villa of Toledo." His Italian dishes were second to none. It is no wonder family and friends would gather anytime he would announce: "Come on over, we're having a party and I'm cooking."

Although Jim was color blind from birth, he painted and sketched colorful scenes depicting his neighborhoods growing up and his travels around the country. These beautiful paintings now hang in homes from Toledo, Ohio to Okinawa, Japan.

Jim loved to travel. He especially loved the Southwest and West. Wherever there was a peaceful setting, he would plant his roots and enjoy the beauty his Creator provided. His life was simple but he saw the beauty in this country and the people around him. He looked to the earth as a treasure. He loved to garden, especially tomatoes (Italian) and the hottest peppers (Mexican) he could find. All from God, free of charge, with just a little work.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ethelyne Dawley; his partner in life, Maria Ramos; son, James Pauley; stepson, Dominick Palicki; and sister, Kathleen Norwood.

Jim is survived by brother, Richard (Debra) Dawley; sister, Sandra (Thomas) Skowronek; stepchildren, Delia (Tom) Huss, David, Daniel, and Diana Palicki; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews that were all properly teased, tickled, and had their ears chewed by him until they grew up big enough to wiggle away from him in laughter.

In the end, James Dawley will be laid to rest in Lockhart, Texas, beside the love of his life, Maria.

We would like to thank the hard working and compassionate staff at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice, Jackson, Michigan.

If you would like to provide a donation in Jim's memory please consider The American Cancer Society or Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice, Jackson, Michigan.

There will be a celebration of Jim's life at a later date.