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Dilley, James

James “Jim” Dilley, age 69, of Clintonville, won his battle over death through his Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 21st, 2012, and now stands among the multitude before the throne of the Most High God in heaven. James Glenn Dilley was born in Clintonville on June 3, 1943, the only child of Glenn and Marie (Huffman) Dilley. While in Clintonville, he lived in the house his father built on 9th Street. His family moved to Denver, CO, when Jim was nine, where he lived until 1999. There he grew up, attended school, and while working as a bagger in a Piggly Wiggly store, entered the grocery and meat-cutting business where he remained for almost 40 years. Due to illness, Jim was forced into retirement in 1999; an illness that required a move to a lower altitude, and a return to Clintonville. It was also in Colorado that he was introduced to his wife of 37 years, Sondra, and her two children, Timothy and Taunya whom he loved and received as his own. After returning to Clintonville, Jim and Sondra became members of Bethany Evangelical Free Church. There Jim found the ministry that he would faithfully serve for 10 years, researching the sayings and Scriptures for the sign in front of the church. He was affectionately called “The Sign Man”. “Almost all quality sayings are from the Bible. Knowing God and the Bible is the most important way to learn what is right,” was something Jim would tell those who asked. Folks driving past would consistently honk and wave as he changed the sign, especially 18 wheelers. The Men’s Group at Bethany was a consistent source of friendship and encouragement. Jim also served for five years as a volunteer in the Maintenance Department at Silver Birch Ranch, a Christian Camp & Conference Center in White Lake, WI, where he received the title of “The Vac Man”.

Among Jim’s other interests were fishing with his friend, Dick Tice, playing pool weekly with his co-hort Ken Lemmens, and solving the world’s problems with his buddy John Conto. He enjoyed making wooden forts and rubber-band guns for his children and grandchildren, setting up elaborate battlegrounds for them to practice their aim. In the fall, his love was making wood to heat the family home. Jim was a gentle, kind man who was loved by both family and friends, and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Sondra, and two children, a son, Timothy (Gina) Klockziem (a postman in Clintonville) and their children, PVT Adam Gullickson, Ashley, Lily, Jonah and Elizabeth Klockziem. There is a daughter, Taunya (David) Mann of Jeffersonville, IN, and their children, Lexie (SPC Brandon) Todd, Deanna (A1C Evan) Walther, Reba, Ashle and Chris (Shanette) Mann; and their children, LenaMarie, Stark, Zachary, Mason, Trenton, and Christian. Jim is preceded in death by his parents. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 24th at 4:30 PM at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, Clintonville. Rev. Kurt Hettinga officiated and burial followed at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville. Visitation was held on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until time of service, all at the church. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, assisted the family. Online condolences may be sent via www.beil-didier.com
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