James Allen Dillard

James A. "Jim" Dillard passed away in his home and crossed over into Heaven on Saturday, February 15th, 2025. He was born in November 1931 to Roy and Ruby Dillard in Flemington, MO. He was raised in the community of Ebenezer, where his family had extensive roots. He graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1950 and was manager of the Daisy Dell Dairy in Ebenezer. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, where he served in Japan until 1954. Upon returning home from his service he decided to become an electrician and began to learn the trade. In 1954, he met the love of his life, Betty England, and they were married in 1956. In 1959, Jim became a proud member of the IBEW LU #453 as a Journeyman Electrician. He spent the rest of his working life in that field.
Jim and Betty had two children. He built a home for his family in the community of Glidewell in 1964, where he lived the rest of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Wayne Dillard. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty, a son James K. and a daughter Brenda Bolin and her husband Mark, all of Springfield; five grandchildren; Chris Dillard, Amber Martin, Kaylee Dillard, Jordan Endicott and Nichole Warren, their spouses and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Dwight Dillard, his sister Carol Keltner, a brother-in-law Larry England, many nieces and nephews and his neighbors of 61 years and dear friends Jay and Stella Morton.
Jim loved the Lord. He was a humble and hardworking man. He was known for his ingenuity. There wasn't anything that he couldn't build or fix. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of hard work, integrity, ethics and compassion. He was extremely politically minded and passed that passion on to his children and grandchildren. In his final days, as his body was failing him, his mind remained fully engaged. He had an amazing memory, recalling his life back to his childhood and even speaking Japanese with his Great-Grandson. He loved his family so well and he had a tremendous impact on who they became as adults. He was always a happy man and his family will remember him that way, laughing, joking, helping and dancing with Mom/Grandma in the kitchen. The world is a better place for having had him in it. He will be missed more than words can express.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. with visitation from Noon to 1:00 p.m. before services. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North.