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James Randall Dickson, II

July 11, 2021

James Randall Dickson, II, “Jim” age 80 of Troutville, VA, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents James Randall and Virginia Paulling Dickson and his first wife and highschool sweetheart, Karyn Sue Keller Dickson. 

Surviving to cherish his memory are his later in life love, wife Brenda Decker Dickson; daughters Deborah Lynn (Alan) Hamrick and Donna Carol (Chris) Day; grandchildren Ian Thomas Hamrick, McKenna Marie Hamrick, Kayla Ryan Day, and Garrett Scott Day; step children Timmy (Tamara) Harper, Steve (Laura) Sink, Carla Sink; step-grandchildren Dereck Sink, Brandon Harper, Tiffany Newbill, Dalton Harper; brother Donald C. (Linda) Dickson; niece Jennifer Dickson and nephew Daniel Dickson; sister-in-law Dr. Mara Lynn Keller; and many friends and family. 

Jim was a US Navy aviator and a proud Vietnam Veteran who served aboard the USS Hornet where he had the honor of being the recovery pilot for the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. He had an amazing sense of humor and a wonderful way with words. His daughters and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and his passion was lifelong learning. Jim encouraged and provided advice and guidance for many, many people to continue their education; he believed that there were no roadblocks in life, only obstacles that you needed to get around.

Per Jim’s wishes, he will be cremated and a memorial service will be conducted at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford VA, on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 2pm.

Condolences & Tributes

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I am so glad to have had the chance to get to know Jim when he taught at Ferrum. He had a real knack for telling stories and had great stories to tell. I know that he is remembered especially fondly by a certain generation of business alums who can still tell you what drink he favored when he came to Business Law class on Wednesday nights. May he rest in peace, and may his family be richly blessed by his memory.

Posted by Lana Whited on July 15, 2021

Prayers for the family.

Posted by Anonymous on July 15, 2021

Prayers for the family.

Posted by Anonymous on July 15, 2021

Prayers for the family.

Posted by Anonymous on July 15, 2021

My prayers go out to you all. I will always remember Jim’s humor and his love of family. He will be remembered also for his love of country . He will now continue to Sheppard from above as he did in his earthly life. Love to the whole family

Posted by William Baird on July 15, 2021

So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Thoughts and prayers for you and your families.

Posted by Anonymous on July 14, 2021

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