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James Dammon Obituary
West Lafayette - James R. Dammon, 75, passed away February 17, 2019 in his home. His 16 year long struggle with motor neuron disease ended peacefully with family by his side.
Jim was born on May 17, 1943 in Lafayette. He was the son of the late Clarence and Mildred Dammon. He graduated from West Lafayette High School and then from Purdue University in 1966 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. On December 27, 1969 he married Marilynn Bottomley and she survives.
In 1966, right after college, he took a job as a design engineer at Fairfield Manufacturing Company and began a 42 year career with the company. From 1988 - 2008, he was Vice President of Engineering. Jim and his team of engineers designed and Fairfield manufactured the gearing for heavy equipment vehicles, mining trucks, off shore oil rigs, and wind turbines. He has 5 patents in his name, and in 1990, he developed a computer program for gear design that was used world-wide. When he retired in 2008, the new Research and Development Lab at Fairfield was dedicated to him.
In honor of their fathers, Jim and Marilynn made a deferred gift to Purdue University in 2003 that endowed the Dammon Dean's Scholars Program in the School of Liberal Arts and the Bottomley Scholars Program in the School of Mechanical Engineering. Both programs give outstanding undergraduate students a stipend and an opportunity to do research with full professors.
After retirement, Jim designed websites for individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses. Together with Marilynn, they owned and operated Kings Hill Stable, a dressage and boarding stable north of Lafayette. He was an excellent pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings. Jim loved to water ski and was bare footing until he was 60 years old.
Surviving are his sister, Kathie (Neil) Michels of Prior Lake, MN; sister in law, Linda Monahan of West Lafayette, IN; nieces, Heather (Andrew) Aceves of Export, PA, Vanessa (Dave) Penland of Elizabethton, TN, Ellen (Matt) Riebsomer of West Lafayette, IN, Meara Bottomley of West Lafayette: and nephew, Scott (Krista) Anderson of Stillwater, MN.
Memorial visitation will be at Hippensteel Funeral Home in Lafayette on Friday, February 22, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00pm. A private family memorial service will precede the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dammon Dean's Scholars Program in the College of Liberal Arts or the Bottomley Scholars Program in the School of Mechanical Engineering. Checks should be made payable to the Purdue Foundation and sent to the Dammon Dean's Scholars Program or the Bottomley Scholars Program, 403 West Wood Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2007.
Please watch a short video of Jim's life in photos on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/L-56iT_He7w
Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Dammon
Sponsored by Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc..
Katie Nielsen
February 21, 2019
Marilynn,
Your dedication to Jim during his 16 year struggle with motor neuron disease has been an inspiration and example of love to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 21, 2019
Marilynn, our most sincere condolences for
your loss of Jim. We are with you.
Marge and Lance Croxall
February 20, 2019
Marilyn and family, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the recent passing of Jim.
RIP Jim, you will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.
Bob Fairman
WLHS Class of '61
Peggy Warner
February 20, 2019
Marilynn and Kathi,I'm saddened to learn of the loss of your husband and brother. What an accomplished man he was and how much he gave to the world! Please know that you are all in my head and heart. Wishing you peace...
February 20, 2019
Marilynn,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My sincere condolences to you during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Scott Banfield
February 19, 2019
so sorry to hear about Jim passing , Marilynn and Jim
such a beautiful example and inspiration for all.
Such generosity and love, caring , instilling the
best in others and sharing the beauty in life!
Thank you so much it is truly heartfelt ! Love to
Marilynn and Jim always XoX
Rick Miller
February 19, 2019
Jim was my boss at Fairfield for 29 years (1978-2007)and he was one of the smartest people I have ever met. He was more than a mentor to me and it was my privilege and good fortune to work for him all those years. He was very accomplished and successful in many areas and I send my most heartfelt sympathies to Marilynn at this most difficult time.
Qimin "Min" Li
February 19, 2019
Jim is so special, and for sure will be remembered for his dedication and contribution to the gear industry and Fairfield. His legacy will be an inspiration to many. Rest in Peace!
February 19, 2019
Oh, Marilyn, I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your sweetheart! You two have always been such a joy and inspiration to me. Jim was such a fortunate man to have had you as his bride.
May you find comfort as you celebrate the life of your husband.
February 19, 2019
I am so sorry, Marilyn! I am thinking of you at this difficult time and remembering his humor and grace. Barbara Dixon
February 19, 2019
Marilyn - my heart goes out to you in your loss.
Carole Curtis
February 19, 2019
Marilyn - My heart goes out to you in this time of loss.
Carole Curtis
Mary Enos
February 19, 2019
Marilyn, my heart goes out to you as you process this new dimension in your life. My love to you.
Gary Lehman
February 19, 2019
Jim was one of the most gifted individuals I have had the pleasure to know and work with. His contributions to the success of Fairfield Mfg were hugely significant and will continue for a long time. Jim's courageous battle over the last 16 years and Marilynn's dedication to making those years as comfortable for him as possible has been an inspiration to all of us.
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
February 19, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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