Jim Dickinson

Jim Dickinson, 96
YORK HARBOR - James F. Dickinson, former president of Portland's Westbrook College, died at Sentry Hill in York Harbor on June 17, 2015, with his son and daughter-in-law at his side. Jim was born on July 13, 1918, in Buffalo, N.Y., the only child of Doering J. and Gladys (MacKerracher) Dickinson.
In 1939, Jim graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y. He received a Masters Degree in French from Middlebury College in 1940. Following three years of US Army service during World War II, Jim earned a PhD from NYU in 1950.
In 1946, he returned to Colgate as an Instructor of French and Spanish, and taught full time for 14 years while working part time for the Colgate Alumni Office. In 1958, he took a group of 10 students on Colgate's first foreign study group, a five month adventure to Argentina. Typical of Jim's ability to keep in touch with people, nine of those students from 1958 became lifelong friends. Strong friendships were also made in groups Jim took to Eu, France and the Caribbean.
During the 1950s, Jim served as faculty advisor to the Colgate Sailing Club. An accomplished woodworker, he oversaw the building of six ships by students in his basement.
Asked to move permanently to administration, Jim became Colgate's first administrative vice president in the mid-1960s overseeing development, public relations and alumni affairs. Required to travel more, he obtained his private pilot's license and flew 100s of hours in his four-seat Cherokee from the tiny Hamilton airport. Colgate's class of 1969 co-dedicated their yearbook to Jim for his innovative leadership.
He served on the Board of Directors of Hamilton's Community Memorial Hospital for several years in the 1960s.
From 1970-77, Jim was president of Westbrook College, now part of the University of New England. His first major project was moving the campus library to a Stevens Avenue Church, and he played a major role in the building of the Art Center on campus. Known around campus as "Dr. D.," Jim took pride in recognizing all 500 students by name. He worked closely with the late Westbrook College icons Dorothy Healy and Dean Richard F. Bond, who became treasured friends, as did special members of his team Mary Lou Kiley, Diane Curl Roberts, and Myron Hager. In dedicating the 1977 yearbook to Jim, students wrote, "Like the immortal Don Quixote, he is the gentle good knight, assuring us that chivalry is still alive and that caring for others is as precious as a smile."
In retirement, Jim combined his love of travel and boats by spending many summers in France on his canal boat while wintering in the Florida Keys on his sailboat. From 1979-2002, Jim spent nearly half of each year in France where he shared joyous times with many dear American and French friends.
Jim enjoyed two happy marriages and stoically supported both his wives through the final stages of their lives. His childhood sweetheart and wife of 34 years, Catherine (Rich) Dickinson, died of cancer in Portland in 1975. Jim supported his second wife of 28 years, Katherine (Hunt) Dickinson, in her battle with Alzheimer's Disease, until her death in Richmond, Va., in 2008.
Jim is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Paula Dickinson of Wells; grandchildren Jennifer Rideout and longtime friend Sayeed Chaudhury of California, Julie Gillis and husband Andrew of Massachusetts; great-grandchildren Cameron and Caroline Gillis of Massachusetts. Also surviving are Virginia stepchildren Kathy Parrish and husband David, Larry Caldwell and wife Janci, Mary Caldwell and husband Rick Rouhier; step-grandchildren Charlotte Harney and husband Bill, Brian Caldwell and wife Kim. Jim developed close friendships with his four nephews and their families, Bill Rich and wife Sharon Hevener, John and Nancy Rich, Chris and Virginia Rich, and Peter Rich.
The family is deeply grateful to the extraordinarily staff of Sentry Hill in York Harbor. Their friendship, compassion and capable professionalism enriched Jim's life during his final years. The many kindnesses Sentry Hill staff extended during his last days will always be remembered. Also contributing greatly to the quality of Jim's later years were Dr. Michael Major and Dr. Tom Albright and their respective staffs.
Jim enjoyed life to its fullest with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a story ready to tell. He touched the hearts of many and was a beloved inspiration to his family and many friends. We will miss him.
At Jim's request there will be no ceremony. Private interment will be at Colgate University Cemetery, Hamilton, N.Y. Online memories may be shared at www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com

Contributions in Jim's memory
may be made to:
James F. & Catherine Rich Dickinson Scholarship Fund
University of New England
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland, Maine 04103