DAWSON, James L. (Taco Jim)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - James L. Dawson Jul. 15, 1944 — Oct. 10, 2011 James L. "Taco Jim" Dawson passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side. Born in Southgate, Calif., July 15, 1944, to James and Francis Dawson, the oldest of three children. Jim grew up in Southern California, until enlisting in the Air Force in 1962. While stationed at Larson Air Base in Washington State, Jim met the love of his life, Flossella Kay "Pete" McCarty. They married Jan. 31, 1963. Their love produced four children, Danny, Kathy, Lisa and Tina. His family was the joy of his life. Jim enjoyed life in the rural areas of eastern Washington. This is where Jim discovered his love of Stock Car racing. The year 1965 started his career that spanned over 40 years. He raced in the Northwest Super Stock division until 1981. He acquired the nick name "Taco Jim" while racing in Washington. Jim and Pete moved the family to Lake Havasu in 1981, joining his father and brother in the family business, "J.D. Machine." Still with the racing bug calling, Jim along with his family and dozens of others, helped in every aspect to SARA Park Raceway. Jim took pride in helping the new and up and coming racers. He loved being able to give guidance and to mentor many. Loved being able to go out and race with them all. He took the 1998 Pro-Stock Division Championship and was awarded with the sportsmanship trophy by his peers for many seasons. In 2005, Jim sadly retired from behind the wheel of his No. 11 Stock Car. He also raced in Bakersfield, Las Vegas, San Bernardino, Blythe, Amarillo, Texas, and throughout the states of Washington and Oregon and also Canada Jim is truly missed by his family and friends. Preceded in death by his infant son, Daniel; father, James, J.D. Dawson; mother, Francis; and sister and brother in law, Sheryl and Ray Collins. Jim leaves behind, his wife of 48 years, Flossella Kay Dawson; daughters, Kathrine Cain, Lisa Long and Tina Dawson; and adopted son, Carl Boles; grandsons, Johnathan and Michael Cain, James and Nathan Dawson; granddaughter, Madison Dawson; and great-grandson, Bradley; brother, Michael (Vickie) Dawson; nieces, Jackie (Matt) Swearman, Michelle (Chris) Lamb; nephews, Michael Collins and Tony (Jerri-Sue) Dawson; many aunts, uncles, cousins and great-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to the great people of New Hope Hospice 500 N. Lake Havasu Ave., Ste. B-108, Lake Havasu City, AZ. There will be no services, a celebration of Jim's life for family and friends will take place Oct. 29 and will be at 2955 Bluewater Drive, Lake Havasu, at noon. Arrangements were made under care of Parker Funeral Home.