James Robert (Jim) Dawson, devoted father, engineering professional, realtor and beloved Grandfather died Thursday, May 11, 2017 after a brief illness. He was 83.
Born July 19, 1933 in Tulsa, OK; to Sidney Earl and Marcella Dawson. Jim was a life-long Tulsan graduating from Central High School in 1952. After serving his country in the United States Army, he went on to earn a BS in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa in 1959. His association with Central High and TU was a source of great pride.
His professional career spanned 25 years, serving the energy and process industries across the region as an Application Engineer and Sales Manager. He took early retirement from Masoneilan in 1984. Never one to sit still, he returned to his sales roots in 1985 as a realtor in the Tulsa area for a second career, recently retiring in 2013.
In November 1962, he married Barbara Jane Rainey. Together they raised their daughter Sharon and son Tom.
Jim always enjoyed new adventures, whether local or international. He found his greatest joy spending time with family and especially his grandchildren, whether he was attending their sporting events, riding in the boat or sightseeing. Through it all he was never short of a story, lesson or experience to share.
He is survived by his daughter Sharon McElroy and her husband Chip; son Tom Dawson and his wife Ginger; 5 grandchildren Mac, Andy and Julie McElroy, Lindsey and Kaylee Dawson; one sister, Judy Peterson and her husband Ron of Tulsa and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Sidney Earl, Don and Phil Dawson.
Services will be at 10 AM Wednesday, May 17, 2017 and Visitation on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. both at Fitzgerald's Southwood Colonial Chapel.
Friends are contributing to The University of Tulsa in his honor.