James Charles Dawes graduated from this mortal existence on April 11, 2021 peacefully in his home in Kearns, Utah at the age of 77. He was born on September 5, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the second child of Raymond Henry and Iona Oborn Dawes. Married Nancy Klc Dawes in the Salt Lake Temple.
Throughout his life he was close to and admired his older sister DeAnn McCorkle. Due to the poor health and early passing of their Mother, they moved to Denver when he was 12 to live with Aunt Mina and Uncle Eugene Oborn.
In 1959 Jim and DeAnn returned to Salt Lake City and lived with Uncle Earl and Aunt Blanche Worlton. They became his loving third parents and he gained another sister with their daughter LuJuana. He graduated from East High School in 1961.
Jim was an avid scout in the Boy Scouts of America program. He earned the distinct honor of an Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He loved being a Scoutmaster, and leading the scouts on many camping and fishing adventures.
From 1962-1965, Jim served an LDS Mission to Argentina where he became proficient in the Spanish language. He loved serving others and using his Spanish language throughout his life. This included his different careers as well as forming lifelong friendships with Spanish co-workers.
After returning home from his mission he met the woman of his dreams and the love of his life, Nancy Klc. Marriage however would have to wait since she was in the midst of going on a mission. Upon returning from her mission, Jim was eager to date Nancy and they became engaged. On November 26, 1969 they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Jim graduated from Westminster College in 1970, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Their first born, Brian James, was born in 1971, and their first daughter, Beth Ann, was born in 1972. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1973 with his Master of Social Work Degree.
The family relocated to El Paso Texas to pursue Jim’s Social Work career. Their second daughter, Camille Ione, was born there in 1975. His career moved the family to Houston Texas. The development of Bipolar Depression prompted his career path into sales. He became a salesman for Montgomery Ward, and their last child, Michael Glen, was born in 1978. In 1979, the family returned to live in the Salt Lake Valley to be closer to family.
Jim continued in sales for many years, but his favorite job was to conduct surveys for national opinion companies. He contracted with Gallup and Roper to do the fieldwork and gather the research data. He loved being an entrepreneur/small business owner. He enjoyed meeting with and getting to know the people he interviewed. As the survey work demographics changed and the contracts became sparse, he did custodial work at the airport. He loved using his Spanish and developed several lifelong friendships with his co-workers.
Jim always looked out for the little guy, and would seek out those who seemed lonely. He frequently invited guests to join our family for Thanksgiving dinner. He volunteered at several nursing homes after retiring. He loved providing company to the residents and conducted seminars, book clubs, and organized guest speakers and performers for them. This volunteer work brought Jim so much joy and happiness, as he truly loved being with and associating with people.
He was a dedicated husband, father, Home Teacher, ScoutMaster, Primary Teacher, and High Priest Group Leader. He loved to attend the temple and would participate in any way possible while Nancy worked as an ordinance worker.
Jim was an avid bowler and a member of several bowling leagues. He was a lifelong Brooklyn Dodger and Houston Astros fan. His love of the Runnin UTES football was never in question; he proudly flew his Ute Flag on Game day, so proud of his Alma Mater. He kept close friendships with his U of U Theta Fraternity.
He and Nancy enjoyed traveling with trips to see grandkids as well as to Hawaii, an Alaskan cruise, a train to Colorado, Oregon, Europe, Israel, and Egypt. They enjoyed going on a Church History Tour to Ohio and Nauvoo and an American History tour in Philadelphia.
Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy, and their children and spouses: Brian (Roseanne) Murray, UT; Beth (Kevin) Messinger, Washington, UT; Cami (Thomas) Callister St. George, UT; and Mike (Laura) West Jordan, UT; His sister Dr. DeAnn McCorkle, 19 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Earl & Blanche Worlton, his brother-in-law Dr. James McCorkle, and his nephew Wilson McCorkle.
A Viewing will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Valley View Memorial Funeral Home: 4335 S 4100 W, West Valley City, Utah, from 6:00pm- 8:00pm, and on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the LDS Chapel on 5905 S 4000 W, Kearns, Utah, from 10:00am-10:50am, with the funeral following at 11:00am. The funeral service can be viewed live at kearns7.org
Internment will take place at Valley View Memorial Park following the services. The family would love to express their appreciation for the loving care and assistance provided by Inspiration Home Health and Hospice over the past few months.
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