James Eldon Dellinger

Dellinger James Eldon Dellinger, age 90, passed away on June 16, 2016 at his home in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Born May 7, 1926 in Washington Court House, Ohio. Jim is the only son of Frank and Lillian Dellinger. He is preceded in death by his sister Evelyn Dellinger Rice. He was married 68 years to Ruth Arloene Curtin who passed in June of 2014. They have three children, Dr. Michael Eldon (Stacey) Dellinger, Mark Steven (Deanna) Dellinger, and Melinda Alice (Rev. James) Stone. They also have three grandchildren, Michael Steven (Danielle) Dellinger, William Joseph Dellinger, and Karen Anne Dellinger; and one great grandson, Cullen Heath Kohls. Jim was always a hard working boy, raised during the Great Depression, who witnessed his mother and father working very hard to keep the family strong. As a senior in high school, Jim signed up to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had not yet graduated from school and when his mother learned of his decision, she marched him back to the recruiting station and demanded from the recruiter that Jim was going to finish high school before the Navy got him. Before entering the service, he met the love of his life, Ruth Curtin, while she was working as an usher at a local movie theatre. During the war, Jim served as a gunners mate with the U.S. Naval Armed Guard. During his service, he was assigned to ten separate convoy movements eventually crossing the Atlantic ten times. When victory was declared in Europe he, along with his shipmates, then boarded a train in New York and traveled to California where they began training for the final assault on the Empire of Japan. Fortunately the war ended and Jim returned to Ohio to resume his life. Jim and Ruth married on August 20, 1946 and began their lives together in Washington Court House. Jim worked many different jobs finally receiving a position as a lineman with the power company. Eventually he accepted a job as a lineman for The Ohio Bell Telephone Company and moved with Ruth to Columbus. They bought a small house in the suburb of Whitehall and that's where they lived and raised their family until they moved into their daughter Mindy's house in Reynoldsburg. Jim loved coaching little league baseball and every year he would plant a massive garden. Potatoes, corn, tomatoes, beans, strawberries, and raspberries; nothing seemed beyond his ability to grow. But of all the activities Jim enjoyed, there was none more important to him than his life as a Christian. Jim's faith was always first and foremost in his life, in the lives of his family, and was something he was always eager to share with those he met. Knowing that Jim is now reunited with his wife and in the presence of his LORD gives those who remain here deep relief and joy. Calling hours will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 at EVANS FUNERAL HOME, 4171 E. Livingston Ave. Funeral on Wednesday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m. at The Cross Walk Church, 751 Rosehill Rd. followed by interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Pastor John Ennis will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Cross Walk Church, 751 Rosehill Rd., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. www.evansfuneralhome.net