James Anderson Dillard

James Anderson (Jimmy) Dillard, 89, of Wilmington, DE passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Christiana Care Hospital in Wilmington, DE. James was born on April 13, 1935, in Freeman, Virginia to James Rufus Dillard and Marie Ellen Green Dillard. James joined Pleasant Grove Disciples Church of Christ at an early age. He graduated in 1952 from James Solomon Russell High School in Lawrenceville, Virginia. James was born during the great Depression and grew up on a farm. Often it was difficult to make ends meet, but his parents worked hard and instilled in James and his siblings a strong work ethic. Upon graduating from high school, James moved to Wilmington, Delaware for job opportunities. He obtained employment at Atlantic Aviation Airport in New Castle, DE. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the military. He served in the army from 1957 to 1959, earning the rank of Specialist 4th Class, exemplifying his commitment to duty and honor. His tours included Fort Jackson, South Carolina, White Sands Test Center in New Mexico and Fort Bliss, Texas. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1959, James returned to his work at Atlantic Aviation Airport, where he was a faithful employee for forty-seven years. In 1959, James met his wife-to-be, Audrey Ann Taylor. They were married on November 10, 1962, and subsequently, were blessed with two sons, Steven Vincent Dillard and Alan Kent Dillard. James took immense pride in his family, celebrating the achievements, including educational milestones and personal successes. James enjoyed attending church, walking, listening to jazz, biking, and watching sports. His favorite song was “My Girl” by the Temptations. James will be remembered for his quiet spirit and the loving attention he paid to others. He lived a life rich in love, dedication, and service. James is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of sixty-two years, Audrey; two cherished sons, Steven Dillard (Shenelle) of Snellville, GA and Alan Dillard (Kathy) of Wilmington, DE; six grandchildren: Kiara Dillard of New Orleans, LA, Kamrie Mensah (Richmond) of Atlanta, GA, Shelby Cathey (Johnny) of Taylor, TX, Ashley Dillard of Elkton, MD, Kristina Dillard (Khalid) of Elkton, MD, and Trinity Collette of Duluth, GA, six great grandchildren: Kylie Dillard, Hailey Ndungu, Kharter Harris, Khazen Harris, Jordan Dillard, and Wynter Harvey. He is survived by five siblings: Robert Cleo Dillard of Greensboro, NC, Marion Verniece Dillard Spraggins (Maurice) of Arlington, VA, Thomas Lee Dillard (Brenda) of Sacramento, CA, Leon Nathaniel Dillard of Dumfries, VA, and Marvin Clinton Dillard (Robin) of Englewood, NJ, several brothers and sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. James was pre-deceased by his parents: James and Marie Dillard, his brother, Wharton Dillard, and his sisters-in law (Indie Dillard and Lucy Dillard). A public viewing will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, from 10:30AM -12:00PM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a service in celebration of James’s life at Noon. The burial will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 11AM at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery 2465 Chesapeake City Rd. Bear, DE 19701. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

James Anderson Dillard

April 13, 1935 - April 25, 2024

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