James Mercereau Dickinson

James Mercereau Dickinson died peacefully at home on October 20, 2010, at age 84. Jim was born in Santa Rosa on January 2, 1926, and lived in his favorite town all his life. He graduated from Santa Rosa High School, and then attended USC. During World War II, he joined the United States Navy and served two years. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he attended UC Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1948. He later joined his father in business at the Santa Rosa Tent and Awning Company, which was later renamed The Patio Place, on Mendocino Avenue. He created a successful business selling patio furniture and home and garden accessories. Jim was the sole proprietor of the store until his retirement in the early 80's. After retiring, he embarked upon numerous investment ventures, and became the manager of a gold mine near Fallon, Nevada. He enjoyed history, politics, reading and traveling, and his adventures included trips to Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Europe and China. He also hiked up Half Dome in Yosemite and walked across the Golden Gate Bridge on its 50th anniversary. Jim was an active member of the Santa Rosa Senior Center and for 10 years was the leader of its discussion group. His wide range of interests and acceptance of different viewpoints made him a popular facilitator for this group. He also participated in a history group, wrote the Center's newsletter and served as a board member. For many years he tutored young people through a local volunteer community program and his dedication to the success of his pupils became a hallmark of his life. It was always his desire to help those less fortunate and to provide positive encouragement to all who knew him. He was among the world's most kind, gentle and generous people and had numerous wonderful and devoted friends, who will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his father, John Moore Dickinson, and his mother, Mercy Dickinson, as well as his older brother, John M. Dickinson. He is survived by his loving nieces, Lois Aswell (Charles) of Penn Valley, CA, and Susan Romanos of Boulder Creek, CA; as well as grandnieces, Amy Aswell of Penn Valley and Jill Romanos of Boulder Creek, and grandnephew, John Romanos of Santa Rosa. Private interment will be at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to a memorial tribute and celebration of Jim's life at the Santa Rosa Senior Center, 704 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, on Monday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m. SANTA ROSA MORTUARY EGGEN & LANCE CHAPEL, 545-3747