June 10, 1943 - February 26, 2025
James Joseph Dixon, Sr., 81, of Columbus, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 26, 2025 at The Capital Health Hospital in Hopewell, NJ surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Dover, NJ, and raised in Roseland, NJ, Jim graduated from James Caldwell H.S. in 1961. While there, Jim met his high school sweetheart, Lois Coupe, whom he later married in 1966. They went on to enjoy 58 years of loving marriage together.
A proud Vietnam veteran, he honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Thomas Edison College in 1979 and later obtained his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University in 1993.
Jim dedicated more than 30 years of service to the State of New Jersey’s Department of Transportation. After retiring, he remained active in the Department of Transportation Retirement Association (DOTRA) and was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 899.
Jim was strong in his faith and was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian Church in Yardville, NJ where he served in various roles as Deacon, Elder, member of Session, and participated on multiple committees including Facilities & Security.
Jim found great joy in spending time at his summer home in Seaside Park, NJ and enjoying the surf and sand of the Jersey Shore. He also loved sports and enjoyed playing softball in multiple leagues over the years, even as recently as this past August. Above all else, being with his family meant the most to Jim, especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Jim’s kind heart and friendly nature will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memories will live on forever in our hearts.
Predeceased by his foster parents, John and Marjorie Becker; siblings, Arthur Cruts; Judith Jaleen, and Sandra DiMaggio; he is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lois (Coupe) Dixon; a son, James Dixon, Jr. and his wife, Amy; grandchildren, Avery and Evan Dixon; a sister, Mary Johnson; brothers, Alan Mandeville and Peter Becker; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and again Friday morning, March 7, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Yardville, NJ 08620.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church, 12 Yardville-Hamilton Square Road, Yardville, NJ 08620, with Pastor Jan Koczera, officiating.
A brief graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Brainerd Cemetery, 22 South Main Street Cranbury, NJ 08512.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 https://donate.cancer.org or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
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RIP Jim. You were and good friend. ,teammate and a true patriot. Your kindness and positive attitude will be missed.
Jeff B
We’re finding it so hard to believe Jim is really gone. He was always so cheerful and full of life. We will dearly miss him. Our very deepest condolences to Lois, Jimmy, Amy, Avery and Evan.
Love, Kevin and Agnes Kelly