James E. Dickey

James Dickey, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, at Jordan’s Nursing Home in Bridgman. Per his request, cremation has already taken place. A private graveside service will take place in Lincoln Township Cemetery in Stevensville at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home of Stevensville or Jordan’s Nursing Home’s activities department. Friends may send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born to George and Minnie (Prestage) Dickey on July 4, 1926, in Water Valley, Mississippi. He served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. On August 27, 1995 he married his soulmate, Charleen Nolen, in St. Joseph. Jim held various jobs during his colorful life, including several years in the transportation & maintenance dept. at Lakeshore Public Schools. He was most proud of the 22 years of service he provided to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph as a boiler operator, & the friendships he made there, prior to his retirement. Jim was a member of Saron Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, American Legion Post # 568 in Stevensville and VFW Post # 1137 in Benton Harbor. Jim enjoyed just about everything, but he especially liked spending time with his family and friends, fishing, vacationing, reading, playing poker , mowing, & the family pets. Jim is survived by his wife Charleen; 7 children, James (Jill) Dickey Jr. of IL, Margie Dickey of Phoenix, AZ, Cathy (Don) Makwoski of South Bend, IN, Darlene (Alan) Holden of South Bend, IN, and Robert Dickey of New York, NY; step-daughter, Cathy (Fritz) Knauf of St. Joseph; 12 grandchildren, Jimmy Jr. , Donna, Joanna, Jamie, Shellie, Autumn, Ashley, Zackary, Seirra, Ernie, Chelsea, & Carly; four great-grandchildren; and sister Ardy (John) Kueker of Collinsville, IL. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna; daughter, Linda Dickey; and brothers, Ira Dickey and Robert Dickey.