James J. Dawson, 82, of Grafton passed away Sunday January 17, 2016. He was born April 13, 1933 in New Castle, PA., and was a Grafton resident for most of his life. James was the owner of the former Dawson Ford-Mercury Auto Dealership in Grafton. He was a 1952 graduate of New Castle High School and a 1956 graduate of Youngstown State University, enjoyed woodworking and was a avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary (nee-Robinson); daughters, Joy (Merle) Hune of Grafton, Gayle Ropchock (Ken Meltzer) of Wakeman and Lynda (Jeffrey) Archer of Elyria; son, John Dawson of Grafton; granddaughters, Lori, Kati, Kristi, Jodi, Nicole, Ashley and Megan. The family will receive friends on Thursday 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Services will be Friday January 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. The Rev. Bob Kuntz, pastor of the Grafton United Methodist Church will Officiate. Burial will be at Butternut Ridge Cemetery, Eaton Twp.. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Grafton United Methodist Church 973 Mechanic St., Grafton or to the Grafton-Midview Public Library 983 Main St. Grafton, OH. 44044. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 11:00 AM Friday January 22, 2016 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 4:00-7:00 PM Thursday January 21, 2016 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.