James Harvey Dillon

1930 - 2025

James Harvey Dillon

July 17, 1930 - May 24, 2025

James Harvey Dillon, 94, is now present with the Lord. He passed peacefully into eternal rest on the evening of Saturday, May 24, 2025, at home with his beloved family by his side.

James was born on July 17, 1930, in Roanoke, VA, to Harvey Quinton and Mamie Susan Powell Dillon. A lifelong Virginian, James was a man of faith, service, and quiet strength. He was devoted to his family and to the work of his hands and heart throughout a life well-lived.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Christine Dudley Dillon of Franklin County. Together, they built a legacy of love, family, and service that will be treasured for generations. He leaves behind two daughters, Melody Dillon Pugh (Kenneth) and Gina Dillon Williamson (David); as well as his cherished grandchildren: James Hunter Hobbs and Katherine Chelsea Williamson Grant (Charlie Adam). His great-grandchildren, Noah Alexander Williamson and Phoenix Dillon Hobbs, were a source of great joy in his later years.

He is also lovingly remembered by step-granddaughter, Jenny Justice (Bryan) and their children, Jake, Kyla, and Lily; and by step-grandson, Chris Pugh (Kelsey) and their children, Jaylen, Sonya, Brody, and Rowan.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sisters, Clair Marie D. Henley, Leora D. Clemmons, and Louise D. Williams.

James grew up in southeast Roanoke and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1949. At a young age, he developed a strong work ethic as a newspaper carrier, and later as an employee at Peoples Drug Store, where he met the love of his life, Christine. At age 20, James joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four years in communications and security.

After his military service, James was employed as a draftsman at General Electric from 1955 to 1972. In 1974, he began building both spec and custom homes, designing and developing many throughout the Roanoke Valley until the mid-1990s.

A devoted servant of Christ, James volunteered his time and talents beginning in 1996 to help expand the original sanctuary at Church of the Holy Spirit in Roanoke. His efforts included the addition of a kitchen and office, and later an adult wing, student area, and chapel in 2003. His dedication left a lasting impact on the church community he loved so dearly.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Church of the Holy Spirit for their prayers, visits, and encouragement over the years. They are also deeply grateful to Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care, the nurses and staff at Harmony Assisted Living where James and Christine made their home for the past year and a half, and to Visiting Angels for their support during Christine's hospitalization in December 2024.

James brought joy, wisdom, and faith to all who knew him. He will be remembered as a humble servant, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a faithful man whose life was a reflection of the grace he so deeply believed in.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in the chapel at Church of the Holy Spirit, 6011 Merriman Road, Roanoke, VA 24018, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor James's memory through acts of kindness, service, and faith. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - South Chapel

Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131