James Evan Dickson

James E. Dickson, 78, of Polk, passed away Tuesday, September 17, after an extended illness at UPMC Passavant. 

Born on June 21, 1946, he was the son of the late James R. and Dorothea Louise Anthony Dickson.

James was a 1965 graduate of Franklin High School. 

Soon after completing high school, James was drafted by the US Army in October 1965. While in Pittsburgh at the MEPS station waiting to be processed, a Marine Recruiter selected him and seven other men to come with him and that is how James became a Marine. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a motor vehicle operator with the 2nd Tank Battalion. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC until his deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. James was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Rifle Marksmanship Badge, and was honorably discharged as Lance Corporal. He served until November 1967.

After honorably serving his country, James was employed with Oil Well Supply in Oil City until it closed in May 1986. In 1988, James, and the late Cal Henry, then opened Franklin Ordinance and Surplus. They co-owned and operated the business until 1993. Afterwards, James went to work for Joy Manufacturing, later Komatsu, and retired from there. Also earlier in his career he was a Deputy Game Warden for a short period of time.

James was an avid outdoorsman with a love of hunting, fishing, and all shooting sports. An expert marksman, he won several shooting competitions throughout his life winning trophies, plaques, and bragging rights. James was well known for his vast knowledge of firearms, ammunitions, and loading configurations for ammunitions. He was an avid collector of firearms, flashlights, thermoses, coffee cups, and ball caps. A practical joker, he was always ready for a good joke.

James served on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Izaak Walton League of America, now Sandycreek Conservancy. During his time on the board he helped build the Sporting Clay Course and maintain the rifle range.

He will be missed by his friends at The Liar's Club at Main Street Market in Polk, Spanky's in Franklin, and the Sunday bunch and range buddies at Sandycreek Conservancy.

Surviving James are his three daughters; LeAnne (David) Buratti of Polk, Stephanie (Peter) Libell of Cranberry Township, Jami (Terry) Glenn, of Polk. Six Grandchildren; Justin Steele and partner Emily, Hannah Steele and partner PJ, Morgan Libell and fiancé Andrew, Sydney Libell, Jacob Libell, Kaleb (Amanda) Glenn. Three great granddaughters; Lexi, Norah, and Delaney. A sister; Mary Dickson. Additionally surviving is his beloved dog, Ike.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 312 West Park Street Franklin, where friends and family will be welcome from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Saturday.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Paula J. Grucza, officiating. 

Interment will follow at Old Sandy Cemetery where Military Honors will be rendered by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Polk Volunteer Fire Department at Polk Fire-Rescue 710 Main Street PO Box 329 Polk, PA 16342.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffGuthrie.com.