James E. Dickinson

James E. Dickinson (“Jimmy”), born July 6, 1945, transitioned from this life on July 5, 2023 one day prior to his 78th birthday in Lancaster, PA, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was the husband of Bonnie Harris-Dickinson. They spent 59 years together. "Teen-age sweethearts"; they were married 53 years. Jimmy was born in Coatesville, Pa to the late Philip and Margaret Dickinson.

Jimmy was a local resident most of his life growing up in Nine Points and Parkesburg, PA, then retiring to the Lancaster County area. He attended Octorara High School. He was employed by a variety of businesses and companies at an early age - including The King’s Ranch. In later years, he worked for the DuPont Family in Delaware, Lukens Steel Company and retired from the Coatesville V.A. Medical Center as Supervisor, Environmental Management.

Jimmy was a faithful member of the Mt. Zion AME Church in Atglen, Pa. where he served in the following capacities:  Member of the Male Chorus, the Church Drummer, Trustee, Cemetery Superintendent, Church Sexton, and was instrumental in the construction of the Phase I Church Project. Jimmy was considered the “go-to-guy”!

Jimmy also took pride in his ’79 Vette and loved to spend hours body building at numerous gyms. Another love of his was watching old westerns! His daughters called him (Matt) “Gunsmoke” and “Mule” Clint Eastwood. One of his passions was saltwater fishing in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Cape Cod, and The Outer Banks, NC. He was a member of the Parkesburg Fishing Club. It was once said that some of the guys wouldn’t tell him about the fishing trips for fear he would out fish them!  (This may have been one of those fish stories). Two of his faithful old-timers were the late Elmer Griffy and June Dickinson. Following each trip and a good catch, he would clean and deliver fish to his senior group of friends. This was one of his ministries. He NEVER sold his catch-he always freely gave it away!

Jimmy leaves the following to cherish his memory and legacy: his wife Bonnie; two daughters, Latonia (James) of Manor, TX; Jimell (Arthur) of Lancaster County; Grandchildren: James (Tiana) Dallas, TX; Ari of New Orleans, LA.; William, U.S. Navy and Jhla, Lancaster County. One brother Frederick (Ruby) Camden, AR., and sister Phyllis (Roger) Parkesburg, Pa. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Parkesburg United Methodist Church, 411 Main St., Parkesburg, Pa. 19365. Friends and relatives are invited to attend the viewing at the Church from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the service. Interment will directly follow at the Mt. Zion AME Cemetery, Atglen, Pa.

For those not able to attend in person, please CLICK HERE to access the livestream. (This will start at 11:00 AM)

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com