James Anthony Dobson

Obituary For James Anthony Dobson

James Anthony Dobson was born on November 18, 1951, in Allendale, S.C., to the late Bertie and Lucille Dobson. At a very early age, his family moved to New York, where he attended P.S. 31 Elementary School, Corlears Junior H.S., and N.Y. School of Printing High School. Growing up on the Eastside of Manhattan, he was known as Dob. He loved basketball, making All-City Honorable Mentions Prolific scorer, won 125 trophies, received many most valuable player awards, and was an alumnus of the Henry Street Pioneer organization in Manhattan, where his number was retired in 2005. His passion for basketball led him to win scholarships to attend Wilberforce University and Florida Memorial University.

His professional career began as a Prentice in the Printing Industry and continued on to Merrill Lynch, where he worked for six years in the Payroll Department until 1987, when he made a career change. James spent 14 years working at Auto Barn before moving to Georgia in 2003, where he worked for Advanced Auto Parts until he retired in 2018.

In 1981, he met the love of his life Gwendolyn Dobson whom he cherished and adored his children, grandchildren and family. James was a calm and selective gentlemen who encouraged a lot of couples and mentored every young man he met. His favorite hobbies included fishing which he loved to teach others his skills and taking cruising with his last one being Alaska in 2024.

James loved the Lord and was a member of the Cathedral of Faith COGIC in Atlanta. He loved listening to gospel quartets, jazz, and can be found humming the tunes of many songs.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, one sister Beverly Dobson, and three brothers Bert Dobson, Eddie Dobson, and Yates Dobson.

James leaves to cherish his wife of 43 years, Gwendolyn Dobson, one son Anthony Dobson Jr. of Suitland, MD, and one daughter Binta Johnson (Timothy) of South Fulton, GA. Two sisters Stella Dobson and Victoria Dobson both of Brooklyn, NY. One brother-in-law, Edward Ponder, Moultrie, GA. Three sister-in-laws Josephine Charles (Stanley) Riverdale, GA, Laura Merrill, Moultrie, GA and Patricia Ponder, Moultrie, GA. His grandsons Timothy Johnson Jr., Tyler Johnson, Corey Carson (Emily) and two granddaughters Sontee Johnson and Ladajah Branch. His best friend of 70 years Ron Johnson of New York, NY and special friends Michael Moncrease, Don Reese, and Irvin Bennett. Plus, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Order of Service *Processional – Jazz Music *Selection – I’m blessed by Charlie Wilson

Public viewing Monday, January 27, 2025 from 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. at Hattie G. Watkins Memorial Chapel, 163 North Ave. Jonesboro, GA.

Celebration on Life will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Hattie G. Watkins Memorial Chapel.

Interment in Westview Cemetery, 1690 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA.