Obituary of James Alonzo Dawley

Clyde/Tyre – James "Jim" A. Dawley, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (June 22, 2022) with his loving family by his side, after a short stay at Huntington Living Center where Jim was receiving rehabilitation care. In keeping with the wishes of the family, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday (July 8) at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2414 NYS Route 414, Waterloo, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to Southwick Cemetery Association, c/o Kay Brownell, 675 Dublin Road, Clyde, NY, 14433 or to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2414 NYS Route 414, Waterloo, NY, 13165. Jim was born January 22, 1933, in the Town of Junius, to the late James A., Sr. and Harriet (Bowman) Dawley. Jim pursued his love of farming from his teenage years to his well-deserved retirement in 2015. He married Shirley Metz in 1953 and with the love of his life by his side for over 69 years their family grew as did the Dawley Family Farms. Jim and Shirley loved to travel. They visited all 50 states and many foreign countries. Playing practical jokes was one of Jim's favorite pastimes and no one, family or friend, was spared. Jim and Shirley were able to enjoy many winters in Florida where their porch was a gathering place to reminisce with cherished old friends and create new priceless friendships. Time was never wasted when spent talking with him. Jim's talents made him a mentor to many, whether it was about how he reconstructed houses, resurrected machinery, raised cattle or changed the overgrown landscape into bountiful fields. He was highly respected for his hard work and abilities. It was once said, "that Jim Dawley could grow corn on pavement". His life stories and the examples he set have enriched the lives of those who have followed him. Jim's work ethic, values, faith and most of all love of family has left a mark on those who knew him. Jim was a member of the Farm Bureau, Calvary Lutheran Church, and a trustee of the Southwick Cemetery Association. He was a former member of the Tyre Planning Board, Magee Fire Department, DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association), the Tyre ASC (Agricultural Service Committee) in Seneca County and charter member of the Finger Lakes Two Cylinder Club. Jim will be greatly missed by his loving wife Shirley; children Linda (Lew) Barbi of Lyons, NY, David (Cindi) Dawley of Palm Coast, FL, Cindy (Richard Burgdorf) Stephan of Waterloo, NY, and James "Jim" Dawley, III of Waterloo, NY; grandchildren Joseph (Sarah) Barbi, Annie (Sal) Mazzara, Elizabeth (Joe) Russo, Kyle Dawley, Kurtis (Hiang) Dawley, Keith Dawley, Emily (Kristen) Wade, Hannah (Kevin) McFarland, James A. Dawley, IV, Jeffrey (Victoria) Dawley, Jonathan Dawley, Joel Dawley, Natalie Dawley, and Andrea Dawley; ten great-grandchildren and another on the way; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents and by his siblings Alice Dawley, Ann Jorgensen, Esther Dillon, and Robert Dawley. The family would like to extend a special "Thank you" to Tom and Maria, Earl and Janice, and Steve and Nancy for sharing their time and support to help keep the great times happening here in New York and especially at Twin Palms, Florida. Thank you to the caring and thoughtful staff at Huntington Living (Rehabilitation) Center. Condolences and remembrances for the family may be sent to www.coegenungfuneralhome.com.