James William Dawes (January 8, 1845 – October 8, 1918) was a Republican state politician.

Dawes attended Western Reserve Academy in Ohio and The Milwaukee Business College.

After relocating to Crete, Nebraska, Dawes worked in the mercantile business and opened a law practice.

[4] He later served as paymaster for the United States Army, working in Cuba and the Philippines.

[5] Dawes served on the Doane College board of trustees for thirty-seven years.