James Howard Dawkins Jr. known to friends as “Jimmy”, “Rio Jim” was born on February 12, 1951 to James H. Dawkins Sr. and Dorothy J. (Johnson) Dawkins. He transitioned on October 13, 2022.
James was preceded in death by his parents; James H. Dawkins Sr., and Dorothy Dawkins, brother; David Dawkins, niece; Dionna Edwards, nephew; Brett Dillard.
Jimmy is survived by sons; Tony R. Smith, Dustin (Lisa) Smith, daughter; Jamie A. Dawkins, brothers and sisters; Janice (Marvin) Harris, Linda Dawkins, Richard (Deborah) Dawkins, Bradley Dawkins, Lori (Melvin) Harrison, and Thomas Tuff. He has Eight (8) grandchildren.
James was a graduate of East High School. He attended Columbus State Community College. He was a retired employee of Columbus Public School system. After he retired, he had a passion for traveling. He loved learning new languages, trivia, history, sports cars and watching westerns. Jimmy loved to have conversations with people. He had the ability to make people laugh and draw them in with his story telling. James lived a great life and accomplished everything he dreamed of.
James had the ability to hold a conversation in any setting. From kids to adults, he had the ability to draw people in with the art of storytelling. As a father, one of his traditions was to go to his favorite diner as a family for breakfast and read the newspaper. In 2021, James gave his life to the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His memory will live here on earth in our hearts forever. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation 10:00 AM and Memorial Service 11:00 AM Friday, October 21, 2022 at Triumphant Christian Center, 904 Thomas Ave. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. LIVINGSTON AVE. To stream the service, read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Dawkins Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
I’m so sad to hear of the passing of my good,longtime friend Jimmy,,we shared many laughs,,played plenty basketball on Eastgate playground,,and I always looked forward to talking to him,he’s like”Mark you have to come to Brazil”,,he had fascinating stories,,I’m going to miss him,,
God bless you and keep you close there’s no emptiness God can’t feel no loneliness he can’t see us through to comfort those he loves so much there’s nothing God won’t do in this time of sadness may the Lord raise you to a place of peace with deepest sympathy for your loss Ray and Vera McEntire to the Dawkins family
Dawkins family you have my deepest and heartfelt condolences. May God provide the peace and comfort that only He can give. Love you all
My deepest condolences to the Dawkins family. We are Eastgaters4life. Unfortunately I just started new employment and cannot attend the service but know that my spirit is with you all.❤
I’m going to miss you my Buddy my Friend my Brother n Law may you Rest In Peace.
To the Dawkins Family
You have my deepest sympathy as you mourn Jimmie. We were childhood friends and grew up in Eastgate. Due to health issues I’m unable to physically be there but just know that I too am grieving. Praying for you as God comforts your hearts.
With Great Sympathy, from Footie to my entire
Family. Dawkins
Dear Jimmy or “Little Jimmy” as we affectionately called him in Rio, as there was a much bigger Jimmy, whom we referred to as “Big Jimmy, I send my prayers, best wishes, positive energy and condolences to your loving family and other loved ones. You were a good brother and a friend to a lot of us in Brazil. You were always quick with a kind word, a smile, a warm hello, and good times. There are so many brothers who knew you and liked you in your home away from home. You were always kind, positive, cool, real, fun and just a good person. A lot of the old crew in Brazil are sending their love and respect to your eternal soul and your family. May God and the Universe continue to watch over your soul and your beautiful family. I will take you with me in my thoughts, prayers, and memories, as so many of the other good brothers in Brazil will too. On behalf of all of us, we thank you for being you…we thank you for being a good man…we thank you for being our friend. Bless you, Jimmy Dawkins.
My Condolences to the Dawkins family. My name is Malcolm, I meet Jimmy 22yrs ago in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. He was a good guy and a great person to chop it up with. I admire Jimmy because he was able to live in Rio. He was my inspiration that allowed me to find my way there also. He lead me to a place I ended up loving. We spent a lot of time together until he moved to a different part of Rio but, keep in touch. Once he moved to the Philippines I told him I was coming. Due to the way life goes and the pandemic, I missed him. But, he’s gone to a better place now and he won’t be forgotten. What a great guy he was R.I.P Jimmy
Sorry for Your loss.Jimmy was a great friend. He always had a kind word and laughter. I did lot’s of music for Him , a great music lover and loved Dogs. He will be deeply missed.
Jimmy, the former of Copacabana has left the building. We love you and you were a source of information and inspuration. For the most part you stayed above the drama that occurred in Rio. I’ll never forget the trips you took to help brothers get acquainted with Belo Horizonte. Thank you for your presence and your insights you shared with all of us. Peace to all who mourn your departure onto the other side of life – the next adventure!
My deepest condolences to the Dawkins family on your loss. I met “Jimmy” when he first came to Rio de Janeiro many years ago. We had many conversations. regularly as we talked and laughed about everything. Jimmy sometimes came to enjoy my music display and would later comment about the good times. Jimmy will be missed by his family and many friends both near and far! Rest well my Carioca brother
Hello I am sending my Condolences to the Family! I have been very hurt with his passing! Me and Jimmy met in Brazil in 2003. We hit it off right away! We became close friends. Jimmy had a big heart and shared his knowledge with everyone! Jimmy asked me to to come visit him in the Phillipines and I told him if he flew to Chicago I would fly back with him to the Phillipines. He did and I not only flew there but I rented an apartment and hung out with Jimmy for the Winter Months. We hung out everyday and had great times together. Lots of interesting conversations! We flew back from Phillipines before Covid it. Jimmy was faithdul in calling me twice a day here in Chicago. So I was hurt when I heard he had past! I will miss my running buddy! Jimmy loved his Family! He talked about you all every chance he could! Can someone please reach out to me? I did not find out about Funeral until it was over! My name is Carl! I am sure you heard my name many times. He would call me and we would talk about when we would finally be back together in the Phillipines. My number is 309-750-6887
Blessings to the Dawkins family. Jimmy will be missed. Your old next door Eastgate neighbor.