Irwin James Dawson Jr.

DECLO - Irwin James Dawson Jr., 93, of Declo, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Countryside Care and Rehabilitation in Rupert, surrounded by loving family members. Jim was born December 5, 1921, in Wilmington, Del. He was the oldest of three sons born to the late Irwin James Dawson Sr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Twiford Dawson. Jim graduated from Wilmington High School in 1938, and was employed by the DuPont Company in Wilmington as a millwright for 39 years. During his employment with DuPont, Jim enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, and was stationed at Camp Bell outside of Buffalo, N. Y. When traveling by train from Camp Bell back to Wilmington, Jim met his beautiful bride, Betsy. They were married in Wilmington, Del. on October 4, 1944, and later solemnized in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on July 9, 1959. Jim was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including the branch presidency in Seaford, Del. Jim enjoyed working hard and staying busy. During his employment with DuPont, Jim often worked a second job as a mechanic for Sears, as a driver for the O’Neil Bus Company, or as a driver for the Wilmington Airport Shuttle Service. After Jim retired from DuPont, he and Betsy moved to Lewes, Del., where they enjoyed the company of friends and family. Although retired, Jim did not slow down. He volunteered for many years in the mail room at the Beebe Medical Center, and he was an active member at the Lewes Senior Center. When he turned 80 years old, he decided it was time to find another job. Menlove Auto parts hired him as a driver to deliver parts, and in September of 2007, at age 87, he retired again and built a home in Declo, Idaho, next to his youngest child, Jan. In the spring he liked riding his four-wheeler looking for asparagus and gardened every summer so he could share his produce. The Rupert Senior Center became a favorite place to visit his many new friends. At times when he decided to relax, reading was a hobby he enjoyed. Jim enjoyed all water sports - boating, fishing, crabbing, clamming, waterskiing, and swimming in the Elk River and in the Atlantic Ocean. Keeping his hands busy, he even built decks, porches and sheds for himself, his children and grandchildren. Before the move to Idaho, he often traveled to see his family in Idaho and Utah; especially during harvest where he drove potato and beet truck for many years for his daughter and son-in-law. Jim is survived by his children, David M. Dawson (Cathy) of Provo, Utah, Keith J. Dawson (Eileen) of Hockessin, Del., and Jan D. Mitchell, (Lynn) of Declo, Idaho; ten grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Fred Dawson (Helen). Preceding him in death was his sweet wife, Betsy M. Dawson; brother, Donald E. Dawson; sister-in-law, Marcella D. Dawson; nephew, Donald E. Dawson Jr. We would like to extend a special thanks to Minidoka Memorial Hospital, Countryside Care and Rehabilitation, and the Elks Rehabilitation Center in Boise for their kind and compassionate care. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6 until 8 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at the Rasmussen Funeral home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. A graveside service and burial will take place at Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle, Del.