James Dillon

Born in Murfreesboro, TN on July 21, 1951 Departed on March 30, 2016 and resided in Hendersonville, TN Life Celebration: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: ChapelSaturday April 2, 2016 1:00pm to 2:00pmVisitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Stateroom AFriday April 1, 2016 1:00pm to 8:00pmVisitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Stateroom ASaturday April 2, 2016 10:00am to 1:00pm

James A. Dillon
Age 64, of Hendersonville, TN passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him most on Thursday, March 30, 2016.
James will be remembered for his legacy as a family man who always protected his own. His spirit had many wonderful qualities which include; being trustworthy, loyal, patriotic, humorous, and loving. He was known to "do anything for family" and protected them from any and every harm. James served his country proudly as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam. He was always proud of his service, and that of his son, James David. Once a Marine, always a Marine!
James was involved in Freemasonry and The Shriners during his lifetime. However, he was not able to actively participate in recent years. In his spare time or while driving down the road, James would tune in to 105.9 The Rock and listen to the classics. His children can even recall him tuning in and turning up the volume when he taught them to drive a car. When he was a young man he played guitar in a band. Rock ‘n Roll was a part of his life; in fact, whenever the family would turn the ignition a blasting sound of rock would come from the speakers. This sound was a remnant of the last time he was rocking out in his car.
He had a love of the outdoors and enjoyed the beach, the mountains, and everywhere in between. St. Augustine, FL and Gatlinburg, TN hold fond memories of family vacations. James also enjoyed Christmas and Easter spent with his family, which is not a surprise since he had such a giving spirit. He loved the Lord and actually wanted nothing more than to attend church service this past Easter, just days ago.
He was a "car man" at heart and enjoyed working on cars every chance he got. In fact, he made a career for himself working in the auto body business. Over the course of his career, he worked in and managed several auto body shops; however, the pinnacle of his career was when he became owner of Dillon's Body Shop in East Nashville. Unfortunately, James' health declined and he was forced to leave behind the body shop after only a year of ownership.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lillian Dillon; and his daughter, Jennifer Dillon.
James leaves behind his loving wife of 31 years, Ruthie Dillon; son, James David Dillon; daughter, Samantha (Daniel) Spain; grandchildren, Katherine Cobb, Bethany Dillon, Hayden and Christian Spain, and Jonah Dillon; brother, Clarence "Big Bud" Dillon; treasured friend, Bobby Sexton; and his beloved Yorkiepoo, Gracie. He also leaves behind two grandchildren he was eagerly hoping to meet, Adam James and Audrey Hope Spain.
A sincere word of gratitude goes out to all of those special caregivers at Alive Hospice; especially, Tammy. The care they provided is unparalleled and no words could describe how this touched his family.
The family will receive visitors today from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. A Life Celebration will be held following visitation on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. All services will be held at the funeral home. HENDERSONVILLE FUNERAL HOME, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 hendersonvillefh.com 615-824-3855.

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