Dickenson Jr., James William

James William Dickenson, Jr., 78, of Radford, died Tuesday, March 20, 2007 after a hard battle with cancer. He was born in Bluefield, Virginia to the late James William and Vivian Elkins Dickenson.

He was a graduate of Virginia Tech and retired from Radford Army Ammunition where he worked for over 40 years. He was a long-time member of Grove United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, as well as worked on numerous boards in leadership positions. He was a Radford City School Board Member and also served as Chairman. He served the City of Radford as a member of the Regional Jail Planning Committee as well.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia Ann Otey Dickenson. He is also survived by four children and their spouses, James O. and Laurie Dickenson of Fairview, Tennessee, Anne and Sy Bohon, Jane and Mike Norton, Susan and Marty Wenk, all of Roanoke; and eight grandchildren, Drew and Dave Dickenson, Fairview, Tennessee, John Michael and Taylor Bohon, Emily and Andy Norton, and Grace and Rees Wenk, all of Roanoke.

The family would like to express special thanks to Venus Bigham and the entire Carilion New River Valley Hospice staff for the loving care extended during his illness.

Funeral services will be held at Grove United Methodist Church with the Rev. James Bennington officiating. The service will be held at 12 noon Friday, March 23, 2007. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 noon at the church, as well. A brief graveside service will be at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va. Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to Grove United Methodist Church, 1020 Grove Avenue, Radford, Va. 24141.

The Dickenson family is in the care of DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford.