James "Jimmy" Dobson (October 2, 1920 – December 6, 1987) was an American actor.[1] He appeared in numerous Broadway, film and television roles.[2]Metacritic stated that Dobson was a “supporting actor; he often played military men and appeared in many Westerns.”[3] He is best-known as Lieutenant Pudge McCabe in the John Wayne film Flying Leathernecks.[4] He was the dialogue director for the McMillan and Wife television series and also played various roles in a few of the episodes. He was Steward Anderson in The Love Boat TV series.[5]
Early life and education
The oldest child of Leta (nee McAmis) and Benjamin Dobson, James "Jimmy" Dobson was born in Greeneville, Tennessee on October 2, 1920. His father was a longtime postal employee for the city of Greeneville. James had a younger brother named John Dobson, who is also deceased. John was a librarian at the University of Tennessee.[6]
Dobson lived in California during his acting career but occasionally returned to his hometown of Greeneville to visit family and friends. The Greeneville Sun stated that "he liked to stroll along Main and Depot streets, meeting and talking to people. He also liked to bring friends along to visit the hills of East Tennessee."[6] Actress and dancer Ann Miller, who had dated Howard Hughes, Conrad Hilton, and Louis B. Mayer, was one of those friends.[12] Dobson and she were in a relationship for a while. She often accompanied him when he visited Greeneville. During one of the visits, the two went to a public pool in Greeneville wearing risqué swimsuits, which prompted the management to summon local law enforcement to have them peaceably removed from the premises.[6]
Death
Dobson died of a heart attack on December 6, 1987, at the age of 67.[13] He was cremated. The Greeneville Sun stated that "his ashes were scattered in the beloved surf below his seaside home."[6]
