James E. Dillon passed away at age 82 on May 8, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Longmont, Colorado. He was born on October 7, 1941 in Dodge City Kansas, to Howard and Joyce, (Combs) Dillon. Known to family and friends as “Jim,” he led a remarkable life filled with dedication to his family, faith, and community. Born in Dodge City, Kansas, in 1941, he lived in New Mexico and Oklahoma due to his father's ministry to small churches before settling in Cookson Hills, Oklahoma, where his family established Cookson Hills Children's Home and School for at-risk youth. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of service and independence.
After graduating from Ozark Christian College, he continued his education with a Master's Degree in Counseling from Fort Hays State University and a Doctorate Degree in School Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. Jim dedicated himself to helping others, first as a minister in Lake Charles, Louisiana and later as a school psychologist in the Greeley and St. Vrain Valley school districts. He was the first School Psychologist hired by the St. Vrain Valley Schools, where he developed the innovative Kindergarten Screening program. Having served the growing district for 25 years, he retired in 1998 and is remembered for his decades-long commitment to education that impacted many lives along the way.
In 1968, James married Lois Ferguson, whom he met at Ozark Christian College. They shared 56 years of marriage and raised their three children, Wesley, Troy, and Jalene, on their 5-acre working ranch west of Longmont.The Trevarton property was purchased as a bare 5-acre field in 1974, and it was here Jim and his family built a home that was filled with love, laughter, as well as endless projects and countless adventures.
His passions were diverse, ranging from outdoor activities to creative projects like building a cabin with his brother-in-law, beekeeping, gardening, and woodworking. If you knew Jim, you knew his incredible ability to create something from nothing and his endless energy to find an “auction goodie” and to turn his find into a treasured memory. His workshop was remarkable and he never tired of teaching others the skills he so valued.
After 10 years as members of the First Christian Church of Longmont, Jim & Lois were among 150 members sent by First Christian to start Rocky Mountain Christian Church in 1984. As a founding member of Rocky Mountain, this is part of Jim’s legacy that the Church and the Lord have always been the center of He and Lois' life.
Jim is survived by his wife Lois, sons Wesley (wife Kasey) of Lee, New Hampshire and Troy of San Diego, California; daughter Jalene Hoff (husband Ryan) of Crawford, Colorado; Grandchildren Gabriel, Addison & Bodin Dillon; Andrew Dillon, Cambria, Gavin, and Ella Hoff; brothers Arthur (Cheryl), David (Marg); Sisters Ruth Weber (Roy), Martha Wells (Russell); Sister-in-laws Anna Rae Manges, Jill Dillon, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Wesley and Stephen Dillon.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to organizations close to his heart, such as Four Rivers Church, www.4riverschurch.org or Cookson Hills Children's Home & School, www.cooksonhills.org . Condolences and tributes can be shared online for the Dillon family at www.howemortuary.com. To join the livestream please visit https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=5ff9c604-bc29-4d21-a7a9-9964d5932688
Jim made a lasting impact on everyone he touched, remembered for his creativity and unwavering faith in Jesus and while his journey may have reached its earthly end, we know he is very much alive with Jesus for all eternity.
Services have been entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont.
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