James Dawson

James Dawson
James Dawson III, beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on August 18, 2020. He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to James and Virginia Dawson on January 22, 1943.
Jim graduated from South Side High School, Fort Wayne Indiana. He received his bachelor's degree in teaching from Colorado State University (1965).  James lettered in football and track. Playing football in Hawaii his senior year was memorable.
James began his teaching (drafting and Industrial arts) and coaching career (football, basketball, wrestling and track) in Azusa, California. He earned his Master's degree from California State University, Long Beach, California. In 1969 James moved to Fort Collins, Colorado and taught Industrial technology and coached football at Poudre High School. He returned to California in 1971 and continued to teach woodworking in the Anaheim High School District, as well as coaching football. Mr. Dawson's students built grandfather clocks, wall units, coffee tables and one student even made a pool table. Several of his students pursued careers in the woodworking field. Teaching at Western High School and working with Tiger Woods was a memorable time. James Dawson received the honor of Industrial Arts and Computer Science Teacher for the Year twice in his teaching career. The first award was given by the state of California and the second award he received was for the International Teacher of the Year award in Tampa, Florida.
James reunited with his high school sweetheart, Leanna Hogan, after 32 years. They were married (1995) in Athens. They returned to Long Beach and Jim continued teaching until he retired in 2004. Jim and Leanna moved to Hartwell  in 2007 and built a home on beautiful Lake Hartwell to enjoy lake living. James attended Faith Lutheran where he enjoyed creating the weekly bulletin and helping with maintenance. James enjoyed substitute teaching at Hart County High School.
Jim and Leanna enjoyed traveling (Europe, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and the Caribbean) but his favorite was always Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with his daughters Kelli and Kris. Dad's motto in life was "Work Hard, Play Hard" and he definitely lived by it!
Survived by his wife of 25 years, Leanna Morris Dawson; daughters Kelli Paige (Wayne) Gordon and Kristine Win Valencia (Steven; four step children whom he loved as his own, Allison (Tom) Severson, Molly (Bill) Klein, Wes (Susan) Hogan and Chad (Laura) Hogan; grandchildren: Breana Paige (Mitch) Secora, Mikala Win (Chance) Richardson, Beau Brian Gordon, Amelia Caroline Klein, Frank William Klein IV,  Asher Hogan Klein, Georgia Elizabeth Hogan,  Boyce Carpenter Hogan, Tucker Converse Hogan, Dawson Allan Severson, James Hatcher Hogan, Wesley Ann Hogan, Charles Leverett Hogan and one great-grandchild, Del Leighton Richardson.
A drop-in visitation for everyone to celebrate Jim's life was held Saturday, August 22, at the home on Capri Drive, Hartwell.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made to the charity of one's choice in Jim's name.
The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell was in charge of all arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.