LINCOLN (SNR) – Msgr. James Dawson, a retired priest of the Diocese of Lincoln, died June 15. He was 90.
Archbishop George Lucas celebrated a funeral Mass June 19 in the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, with Bishop Emeritus Fabian Bruskewitz and priests of the Diocese of Lincoln concelebrating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. Butherus-Maser & Love Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Editor's Note: see video of Msgr. Dawson's funeral Mass
A native of Fairmont, Msgr. Dawson was ordained to the priesthood in 1954 by Bishop Louis Kucera.
Msgr. Dawson served as superintendent of all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lincoln from 1961 to 1989. He also served as vicar general of the diocese for Bishop Glennon Flavin and Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz from 1983 to 1995. In that capacity, he oversaw many of the administrative duties of the Diocese. Msgr. Dawson also served in most of the leadership positions of the Diocese of Lincoln including the chair of the Diocesan Building Commission, chair of the Diocesan Insurance Department, the Bureau of Information, and the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, which served as an outreach to other faith denominations. 
In 1961 Msgr. Dawson founded Villa Marie School and Home for Exceptional Children in Waverly. The school serves children ages 6-18 who are challenged with developmental delays, Down syndrome, autism, and other neurodiversity complications.
In addition, Msgr. Dawson served as assistant pastor at St. Cecilia Parish in Hastings and St. Teresa in Lincoln. He was pastor of St. Mary Parish in Denton, St. Mary in Lincoln, rector of the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln and St. Michael Parish in Cheney. He also served as principal of Pius X High School in 1959 and superintendent in the early 1960s.
Msgr. Dawson retired from the active ministry in 2005 and resided at the Bonacum House for retired priests until 2014. He was a resident of Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital at the time of his death.
“All of my assignments were my favorite,” he told the Southern Nebraska Register in 2019, celebrating the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. “I’ve enjoyed every one.”
At that time, Msgr. Dawson said he was grateful for his wonderful relatives, and for time spent with God in prayer.
“One of the most important things in my life has been the Mass,” he said, “and one of my favorite things every day is prayer. I’ve had a wonderful life.”
He is survived by two brothers, Jack and Gerald, a sister Betty Gish and many nieces and nephews.
Msgr. Dawson’s autobiography, “A Banker, A Teacher, A Priest,” will be available for a limited time by sending a check to his niece, Diane Reinsch, at 2210 Larchdale, Lincoln, NE 68506. Please make the check out to Villa Marie School. The suggested donation is $10.
