James Regis “Jim” Dorman, Sr.

James Regis “Jim” Dorman, Sr. went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on February 25, 2023.  Jim is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Frances Layne Dorman and three of their four children: James Jr. (Marjorie), Edward (Christine) and Anne (Travis).  He was preceded in death by one son, Michael.  Jim and Fran have 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

Jim was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on January 4, 1926 to George and Alice Dorman the third of nine children and is survived by one sister, Alice O’Donald and one brother, Donald Dorman. After graduating from Altoona Catholic High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Radioman 2^nd class during World War II earning the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and American Area Campaign Medal. He attended Penn State University for two years and graduated from Bliss Electrical School in 1949. Jim moved to Lynchburg, Virginia to work for Appalachian Power as an Engineering Technologist and retired there after 40 years of service. After retirement, Jim worked part time at Tharp Funeral Home and was a Hospice volunteer both alongside his wife Fran serving families in their time of need. Jim also actively participated with fellow veterans in the Monument Terrace Veterans weekly rallies since 2001 demonstrating his love and support of our troops.

Jim met his wife Frances in 1950 and they were married at Holy Cross Catholic Church in 1951 where they were members until later helping to establish St. Thomas More Catholic Church in 1978. Over the years, Jim actively served as a Lector, Cantor, Minister of Eucharist and Confirmation Sponsor. He attended the first Men’s Cursillo held in Virginia. Jim always enjoyed singing growing up and as an adult was a member of choirs at both Holy Cross and St. Thomas More Catholic Churches. He also sang for years in the ecumenical choir “Voice of Praise” that contributed to the spirituality of many churches.

Jim joined the Knights of Columbus in 1948, serving for 75 years and is a 4^th degree Knight, the highest in order. He holds the honor of being the oldest and longest tenured Knight in Virginia.

In addition to his service to the Lord, devotion to his family, and role in the community, Jim was an avid gardener, seized any opportunity to dance and enjoyed camping with Frances, family, and friends. Jim was loved by everyone that knew him and left a lasting impression on each person he crossed paths with spreading the love of the Lord along the way.

Family visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. with a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2023 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at 3015 Roundelay Road, Lynchburg Virginia. A reception will follow Mass at the church.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.