Thursday, July 29, 2021
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July 29, 2021
Town and Country, MO 63017
TRIBUTE TO
James A. Dawkins
“Buddy”, as most of your classmates called you during those years (’55-61) we were in Osceola High, I am in still disbelief that you have been taken from us. If I could have just an hour with you, it would be one that I would cherish. Since our paths have crossed many times, and I am now living many miles from your home there in Florida, perhaps a few moments of shared memories will give your family some assurance you have left indelible prints in the Florida sand for your family, Tampa Bay communities, and your Jewish friends.
Probably the most memorable days were those when you were mastering the German language, and what a joy you were to your classmates and teachers! Only the most brilliant students could have touched those difficult conjugations. I bet much of your memory work was done while you were marching with the Kowboy band!
Remember those days when we both struggled with being unskilled in the physical education classes of Coach Stevens and were put in a small group to do exercises to cut the “gut” ? I see that you even volunteered for your son’s soccer team to handle the coaching, when you never played the sport as a kid yourself!
Your life as a perfectionist both in the classroom, as a drum major leading our Kowboy band, working with the school yearbook staff in cramped and antiquated quarters, all without a grumble left a deep impression on all your teachers and classmates. Those were preparation years for your leadership in journalism and your Jewish faith.
The loss of both your Dad, and then your Mom, made days challenging as you pursued your undergraduate college education at Morehead SU then the master’s at
USF. Your determination assured your success as a self-taught journalist, with numerous State and Regional awards.
Thank you for being a friend that never brought attention to yourself but rather pursued the routes of making Kissimmee and your family heritage a legacy for others to follow.
Philip Edwin Streetman
(727) 408-6651 
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