Wilton, NY - James L. Dawsey, 86, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Monday (Feb. 20, 2017).

Born on Nov. 13, 1930 in Schenectady, NY, he was the son of the late Emily and James Dawsey and was a graduate of St. Columba's High School in Schenectady.  After graduating high school, he began building homes, which was the start of a long and successful career in the construction industry. After a series of increasingly senior roles, Jim eventually became part owner and Vice President of Operations of MLB Industries, retiring in 1997.

He was a devout Catholic throughout his life. While living in Schenectady, Jim was a communicant of St. Luke's parish, served as President of the Holy Name Society, was a member of the Knights of St. John and very involved in St. Luke's CYO program. After moving to Wilton, Jim was a communicant of St. Clement's Church. He also served on the Saratoga Hospital Foundation Board and was a member of McGregor Links Country Club, where he enjoyed his newfound passion for golf after retirement. Jim and his wife Lillian of 59 years, were enthusiastic travelers, visiting most islands in the Caribbean and taking yearly visits to Florida and New England. Jim and Lillian made many acquaintances during their travels who turned into lifelong friends. Jim was a true gentleman, with a unique sense of humor, and was known for his great dance moves – most recently showing them off at his granddaughter Amy's wedding.

Most importantly, Jim was a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather and an expectant great-grandfather. Jim is predeceased by his wife Lillian and his sisters, Theresa and Shirley.

Survivors include his son, James (Janis) Dawsey, his daughter, Karen (Kent) Kalinkewicz, his grandsons Kristopher (Chen) Dawsey and Justin (Sarah) Kalinkewicz, and his granddaughters Kathryn Dawsey and Amy (Liam) Treacy; his brothers Robert (Constance) Dawsey, Donald (Diane) Dawsey and sisters Margaret Cooper, Doris Hull, Rose (James) Frasso and several nieces and nephews, as well as his dear friend Pat Harrington of Plymouth, MA.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Thursday (Feb. 23, 2017) in the Chapel at the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Friday in the Church of St. Peter and burial will follow at the family plot in St. Peter's Cem., West Ave.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude - Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway 584-5373. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.