James Ambrose Dawson, 83, of Mattapoisett died peacefully at home surrounded by his five children on Friday, December 11, 2020. He was the husband of Elizabeth “Beth” Murphy Dawson who predeceased him in 2018.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late James J. Dawson and Mary Margaret (Gatherall) Dawson, he was a graduate of Monsignor Coyle High School, College of the Holy Cross, and New York University Stern School of Business. After growing up in Brooklyn, NY, and Fairhaven, MA, he split his time between New Canaan, CT and Mattapoisett, MA.
He started his business career in sales at St. Regis Paper Company in New York, NY, and then spent the rest of his career in the printing industry-serving as CEO of two companies, World Color Press Inc. in Effingham, IL and Quebecor (USA) Inc. in Boston. He was known for his exceptional relationship management skills that produced deeply loyal customers. In retirement, he served as board member and advisor for several printing companies as an industry expert and leader.
Jim was a devout Catholic who was a communicant of St. Aloysius Church (New Canaan, CT) and St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. He was a Knight of Malta and an active member of his local church communities; he and his wife Beth made pilgrimages to Lourdes and Medjugorje several times over the years. His faith was a foundational part of his and his family’s life.
Career success aside, Jim was defined by his love of family. He proudly served as president of the New Canaan Winter Club, where he delighted in watching his five children figure skate and play hockey. He volunteered his time coaching youth lacrosse and baseball as well. Everything he did was to support his family, to set a good example, and to prepare his children to live meaningful lives. He deeply loved his wife “Beth,” and together they made a great team. Jim was loved by many and will be truly missed.
Survivors include his three siblings, Kevin Dawson and Janet Liljedahl and their families, both of Mattapoisett, and Kathleen Brett of Needham; his in-laws, Elizabeth Dawson of Mattapoisett and Joseph Cosgrove of Newton; his five children, Margaret Dawson Bolster, James Bernard Dawson, Kate Dawson Ayers, M.D., Elizabeth Ann Dawson, and John Harrington Dawson, and their spouses; his twelve grandchildren, Michael Finn Ayers, James Dawson Ayers, Jack Ambrose Dashiell Bolster, Lucy Cronin Ayers, Kayla Elizabeth Murdock Bolster, Thomas Murphy Ayers, Henry Middleton Dawson, Elizabeth Grey Dawson, Gloria Murphy Dawson, James Edward Dawson, James Bernard Dawson, Jr., and Caroline Elizabeth Dawson. He was predeceased by his siblings, John Dawson and Mary Cosgrove, and his brother-in-law, James Brett.
His wake will be held on Thursday, December 17, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. All visitors are required to wear masks and should adhere to Massachusetts Covid-19 protocols. His Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 18th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church in New Bedford, MA, followed by a private burial. The family asks that donations be made to Our Lady’s Chapel and St. Lawrence Church, both in New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
