LEBANON - James Michael Dobson was born on Jan. 9, 1986, in Portland, Maine, and sadly passed away on Nov. 13, 2018 in Hattiesburg, Miss., on his charity cross-country bike tour. He is the son of loving mother, Cindy Dobson and fathers, Michael Smith and Milliard Ellis. He is survived by brothers, Zack and his wife, Kai Watkins, and Michael Ellis. He is also survived by his fiancée, Stephanie Leclerc. Some extended family members include, uncles, Elmer Jr., Scott, and Jeff; and his aunt, Diane. He is preceded by grandparents, Bruna and Elmer Dobson. Endless people, from family members to friends of James grieve the loss of a truly selfless, powerful, unique, energetic, and dynamic man.
James grew up in Berwick, Maine, graduating from Noble High School in 2004. He was a friend to many, from fellow student athletes, to the shy and quiet, from the "hicks" as they were called, to the studious, his friendship was not bound to one group. He was a talented athlete, playing baseball throughout his childhood, but in high school, when he decided to try out for football, it opened the door to his passion. He was competitive, had a wild spirit at times, and was always genuine to himself and others. He encouraged people to make the most of things and wouldn't let any obstacle stand in his way. After high school, he attended Husson College where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Over the summers he enjoyed playing on a semi-pro football team, the Cobras out of Alfred, Maine. Following college graduation, he traveled to Poland and played for an international professional football team there. When he came home, he began his career as an entrepreneur. He founded Next Level Sports where he mentored kids to pursue their dreams. Taking time to create highlight videos and setting up training plans for kids wanting to thrive in athletics was something he was very passionate about. He founded and built up a successful delivery business, the Takeout Guys, well known in the greater-Dover area. He was "the Koozy guy" traveling to Boston to push his product. He taught himself to sew and became really good at it. He became so good, that he made mittens for the homeless, just one of many selfless acts. There was no limit to how far he would go to make himself successful. He created the Positive Vibes Tour and pursued his mission to make the world around him a better place, one smile at a time (or as he would strive, at least 10 people a day). His commitment and sacrifice to the Positive Vibes Tour, raising money for CHaD was the epitome of what he stood for. Making people happy, giving them a chance, providing hope, and lending a hand, are some of the many great details that defined James. It is impossible to highlight a life, especially his, in just a small write up. His impact is beyond words and his legacy of positivity, selflessness, motivation, love, and hope will forever carry on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of crossing his path. Finally, James would want us to remember: To stay happy and stay humble and most of all make someone smile.
Visiting Hours will be held on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, in Portland, from 1-5 p.m., please feel free to show up anytime during those hours to show your love for James and his family. Burial will be in the Spring at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford, Maine.
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