James "Jim" Dobson

Jim was raised in Fairhaven, MA, and graduated from Fairhaven High School. He continued his education at Bryant College, where he met his wife, Marilyn. Although later divorced, they remained dear friends throughout their lives.

Before his illness, Jim worked for Hoffman Auto delivering parts, a job he enjoyed for 10 years. In his free time, Jim was a talented painter and an avid gardener. He loved sitting outside watching the birds at his feeder, which he always kept filled. Jim also enjoyed playing cards with friends and making trips to the casino to play video poker. A man of many talents, he was also a skilled carpenter. Jim will be remembered for his great sense of humor and the joy he brought to those around him.

Jim is survived by his three children: Michael Dobson of Clearwater, FL; Mark Dobson and his wife Patty, and their two children, Hartford and Lincoln, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and Cheryl Ryan and her husband Matt, and their two children, Lucas and Elise, of Manchester, CT. He is also survived by his sister Glenna Pelton of Mystic, CT and the mother of his children, Marilyn Dobson of East Hartford. Along with his parents, Jim was predeceased by his three sisters and one brother.

Family and friends may call at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Sweet Escape, P.O. Box 85 Heath Springs, SC 29058, www.campsweetescape.com - a fun getaway and escape for Type 1 Diabetic children who would not normally get to go to a regular summer camp. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com