James Norman Dildine

DILDINE James "Jim" Norman Dildine, 1961-2010. James "Jim" Norman Dildine, born November 5, 1961, in Houston to Chuck and Adrienne Dildine, died August 2010 in Routt County, Colo. He was 48. Jim had a successful career in advertising with customers nationwide. Much of his graphic art is still in use today by the many clients who found his work to be so creative and effective. A fine artist, his detailed portrayals of aircraft earned his work a place in the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla.; the U.S. Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida; the Museum at Edwards AFB in California, and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, among others. He was a long-term member of the National Arts Club in New York City, the U.S. Air Force Art Program and the Society of Aviation Artists. He was educated at the Columbus College of Art and Design and received a master's degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His later work in portraits, landscapes and still life hangs in many private collections. Jim also expressed his skilled eye and hand through photography and fine woodworking. His sensitivity to symbol and story added depth and meaning to his art. He lives on through his work and in the hearts of the many people who loved him. Jim had a lifelong love of aviation, was a skilled pilot and air-to-air photographer and served in the U.S. Air Force. He traveled widely and his love of New York City was especially infectious. Jim's keen sense of humor brought levity to many and for some it was his defining characteristic. Beloved by many nieces and nephews, Jim delighted them with inventive entertainments, from ice cream making and dunking machines at family parties to bonfires, fireworks, rafting trips, and most recently, a trip by small plane to Alaska's backcountry. Jim loved the old masters, especially Rembrandt --- the intricate play of shadow and light. The shadows overwhelmed him but the light remains for all who loved him. He is survived by his wife, Elsie Jean "Jeannie" Antrim of Clark, Colo.; his parents, Chuck and Adrienne Dildine of Niceville, Fla.; brother, Joe Dildine of Grand Rapids, Ohio; sister, Janet Dildine of Sanford, N.C.; sister, Julie (Dildine) Sachs of Germantown, Wisc. Also surviving are sisters- and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. A private family gathering for the interment will be held at a later date.