CARIBOU — James Riley Dillon Jr., 60, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
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| James Riley Dillon Jr. |
He was born in Winooski, Vermont, the son of James and Theresa Dillon. As the son of a military man, they resided in many different States throughout his childhood. He graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School in 1974. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physiology of Exercise from Westfield State College. He went on to complete the R.O.T.C. program at UMASS and then earned his Master’s Degree in Human Relations from Oklahoma State.
Jim served our Country with the United States Air Force for 12 years.
In 1983, Jim met “his Betsy”. It was love from the start. They traveled the world with their four children throughout his military career. As a very active dad, Jim served as a coach for many of his children’s sports teams. Rarely did he miss an event or game when it came to his kids.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Betsy; his daughter, Christina and husband, James Pelkey Jr. of Fort Fairfield; son, Joshua Dillon and his wife, Jocelyn of Limestone; daughter, Rachael Dillon of Westbrook; and son, James Dillon III of Portland. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Rebekah, Ryan, Zackary, Aiden, Bryce, Camden, and Ella; one great-grandchild, Selena; his mother, Theresa Dillon of Chicopee, MA; four siblings, Danny, Brian, Kathy, Pam and their spouses; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his father, James R. Dillon Sr.
Services were held at Lancaster & Morgan Funeral Home. Calling hours were on Monday, November 7, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral was held Tuesday, November 8, at 11 a.m., with a Military Committal Service following at the Northern Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 37 Lombard Road, Caribou. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.lancastermorgan.com.
