Jim Dawson

Jim Dawson, 84, of Fargo, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, surrounded by loving family and friends. James Roen Dawson, the son of Charles and Helen Dawson, was born October 30, 1925, in Fargo, North Dakota. After graduating from Fargo Central High School, Jim proudly served in the United States Army. Following his discharge in 1946, he returned to Fargo where he completed his education, graduating from North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU). On June 23, 1949, Jim married Barbara Ann Nelson of Washburn, ND. They made their home and raised four daughters in Fargo. In 1946, Jim and his brother, Bob, became partners in the family business, Dawson Insurance Agency. During the 1950s and ‘60s, Jim and Bob worked with their father to build the insurance agency and expand the crop insurance division. In 1969, Dawson Hail Insurance Co. was formed, which evolved into one of the most respected crop insurance companies in the country. Jim focused on the crop insurance business while Bob concentrated on the insurance agency. While president at Dawson Hail Insurance Co., Jim was honored to serve on national and international crop insurance boards which included: National Crop Insurance Services in Overland Park, Kansas, American Association of Crop Insurers in Washington, DC, and International Hail Association in Zurich, Switzerland. He and Barb traveled to more than 20 countries while involved in crop insurance industry activities, developing many close friendships. His life changed dramatically when his wife, Barb, began to decline at age 48 and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He lovingly cared for Barb at home until she required nursing home care, passing away in 1996. The loss of his wife drew him closer to his daughters, creating a bond that sustained them the rest of his life. In 1995, Dawson Hail Insurance Co. was sold and Jim retired, allowing him time to enjoy family, his homes on Pelican Lake (MN) and in Scottsdale, AZ, along with the opportunity to travel and enjoy time with his companion, Barbara Dolmetsch. Community involvement and support was very important to Jim. It has been a Dawson family tradition to be active and supportive of the local community. He was active in the El Zagal Shrine, rising to the position of Potentate. Jim was involved in and supported many local civic, educational and charitable organizations including: First Presbyterian Church, NDSU, Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Bonanzaville, Fargo Public Library, Plains Art Museum, Concordia College, Jamestown College, and Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation. He has been a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fargo. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barb, his brother Bob, and parents Charles and Helen. He is survived by his four daughters, Deb (Norm Robinson) Dawson, Fargo; Ginny (Chuck) Fosberg, Phoenix, AZ; Patti (Dave Suppa) Gordon, Fargo; and Judy (Hans) Dawson-Hermanson, Scottsdale, AZ; his grandchildren; Adrian (Abbey) Dawson, Aaron (Taryn) Dawson-Becker, and Gina Dawson, Sveta, Vika and Jeff Robinson; Justin (Kate), Andrew (Sandra), and Heather Fosberg ; JJ and Christy Gordon; Cooper and Porsha Hermanson, and Garret Kvilvang; seven great-grandchildren; and longtime companion, Barbara Dolmetsch of Zurich, Switzerland. Visitation: Friday, February 26, 2010, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Prayer and Masonic Service: Friday, February 26, 2010, at 7:00 PM at Hanson-Runsvold. Funeral Service: Saturday, February 27, 2010, at 10:30 AM, at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, ND. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association North Dakota Chapter – 4357 13th Ave S. Fargo, ND, the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, or the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation.