James P. Dawson

James P. Dawson, 90, passed away December 31, 2016 at his home in Grimes, Iowa, surrounded by his family. Cremation Rites have been accorded and interment at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel, Iowa will be held at a later date. Jim was born in Paris, Missouri on December 1, 1926 to Clarence and Eunice B. Dawson. He graduated from Paris High School and the University of Missouri. He was a World War II Army Veteran, serving in the Asia Pacific Theater. Jim married Mary E. Lea on May 13, 1951. After college, Jim worked three years as a manager of a Farm Bureau Farm Supply Store center in Princeton, Mo. and 36 years marketing plant food for Allied Signal. He retired in 1992 as District Sales Manager covering eight states in the Great Plains and Pacific Northwest. The family lived in Boone, Iowa from 1971 to 1994 and he and Mary retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1994. While in Bella Vista he served over 20 years in the V.F.W. Honor Guard. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; two children, James C. Dawson (Debi) of Grimes and JoAnne Van Cannon of Ames, Iowa; six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, two sisters and a grandson. Memorials may be given to Mercy Home Health Care and Hospice, 1055 - 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Cards may be sent to the family in c/o Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50322.