John Charles “Jack” Dawson

He was a terrific student athlete and went on to graduate from Western Reserve University, prior to it combining with Case College to become Case Western Reserve University, on a full basketball scholarship. Following graduation in 1953, Jack became a Marine during the end of the Korean War. He served honorably as an officer and continued to be a proud Marine throughout his life.

Jack went to work for Goodyear in 1956 as a member of the squad. He had a very rewarding 34 year career as a sales executive working in many cities including Boston, Ma, Erie, PA, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Hershey, New Brunswick, NJ, and Akron. Early in his career, he was a member of the Goodyear Wingfoot’s of the Industrial Basketball League, the first professional basketball league in the United States. After his retirement, he assisted his son Drew and business partner Tom White to become Goodyear Dealers with Tire Source in 1991.

He met the love of his life while working for Goodyear in Akron, Ohio in 1959. He and Sandra married in 1961 and built a wonderful life together. They were blessed with three children, nine grandchildren, and were very proud of all their accomplishments. They had a place in Sea Pines Plantation for 30 years and enjoyed being with family, playing tennis, golf, and enjoying the beaches of Hilton Head Island. He had terrific lifelong friendships with cousins, his Jamestown classmates, Goodyear coworkers and dealers across the country, and golfing buddies. They were members of Montrose Swim and Tennis Club and then Fairlawn Country Club. He traveled extensively with his work at Goodyear and personally throughout their 52 year marriage.

He was a stoic Swede, loving and gentle, and never raised his voice. Silly and fun to be around, he liked to help people. He coached all of his children in youth sports and enjoyed being in the mix.

Thank to everyone at Broad Creek Care Center and Hospice Care of the Low Country for their loving care of our Dad.

Proceeded in death by wife Sandra Smith Dawson, mother Margaret Ericson Peterson, step father George Peterson, and father Clifford Charles Dawson.

Survived by daughters, Denise (Michael) Erickson, Diana (Tommy) Coyne, and son Drew (Amy) Dawson, nine grandchildren including Teddy, Amanda (Marcos), and Hannah Erickson, Kelsey and John Stanoch, Riley Coyne, Jordan, Sydney, and Jack Dawson, and great grandson Michael Mendoza. Also survived by dear sister-in-law Carol Bennett. Memorial gifts can be made to YMCA Camp Onyahsa, 101 East Fourth Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.