James "JD" William Dawson Jr.

On August 18, 1960, James William Dawson Jr, "JD" was born in Newark, New Jersey to his loving
parents James William Sr and Mother Sylvia Elaine Dawson. On May 23, 2023 James Dawson was called
home to be with his heavenly Father, our Lord.

James lived most of his younger life on the East Coast. He had cerebral palsy (CP) which he stated “has
made my life interesting”. CP never slowed him down. He was always bound and determined to do
more and this was evident throughout his life. He married the love of his life Betty Jean Gilmore on
December 16, 1998 in Portland, Oregon. They were happily married for 19 years until her passing on
March 13, 2017. Although they had no children, they shared laughs and enjoyed helping friends and
family in need. James did have a companion, his dog Chewie.

James attended Branch Brook school in Newark, NJ, a facility for special children, it was here that his
thirst for knowledge was first recognized, and where the inner strength and positive attitude toward life
that has kept him going through hard times was nurtured.
He attended Arts High in Newark and found that there was one subject he could not master,
mathematics. But instead of avoiding it he became determined to conquer it and conquer it he did.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State University in 1989 and later was a math
instructor and tutor there.
In 2003 he earned his Master of Education from Oregon State University.
Shortly thereafter, he became a math professor and tutor at Portland Community College until he
retired in 2017.
James’ passion for math and helping people was demonstrated on numerous occasions as he was able
to help 3 of his nephews and 2 nieces who were struggling with trigonometry and calculus over the
telephone.
James’ philosophy – “embraced the belief that teaching and providing education was the bridge
from poverty to prosperity; the link that spans the social, political, and cultural divide was the key
to the doors of freedom. His philosophy of teaching was driven by a strong desire to help others
grow and change their lives for the better and that using better teaching strategies and
methodologies would induce students the desire to learn.”
James was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents James Dawson, Sr., Sylvia (Jones) Dawson,
his sister Charlene Johnson, and sister-in-law Patricia (Leon) Johnson.
He leaves his brothers: Leon Johnson, Florida - James Dawson, I, Maryland – Jimmy and Linda (Foggie)
Johnson, South Carolina - David Dawson, Alabama - Martin and Rose (Smith) Dawson, Missouri - and
Julian and Erica (Davis) Torrez, Oklahoma. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great
nieces, nephews, family, friends and colleagues to cherish his memory.

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