James Dickinson Jr.'s Obituary
James Dickinson Jr., 75, of Onalaska, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 28th after a short and courageous battle with cancer. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Born with a strong work ethic and a determined spirit, James began his early career as a timberline choker setter before joining The Milwaukee Railroad. His time there instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for hard work, teamwork, and the satisfaction of a job done well. After a short time with the railroad, James decided to take a leap of faith and build something of his own—establishing a successful drywall business that served his community with pride.
Never one to shy away from new challenges, James later ventured into long-haul trucking, a career that perfectly suited his love for the open road. He cherished the freedom of driving across the country, meeting new people, and seeing new places. Trucking gave him stories he loved to share and experiences that enriched his life in countless ways.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cathy Dickinson, whose memory he carried with him every day, and by his father, James Dickinson. He is survived by the legacy he held most dear—his family. His eight children: Christian Dickinson; Chandra (Michael) Callahan; Cameron (Kelley) Dickinson; Cathryn (John) Walsh; Courtenay Dickinson; Chasen (Diana) Dickinson; Curran (Casey) Dickinson; and Connor Dickinson. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Family was the center of James’s world. He was happiest when surrounded by those he loved, whether gathered around a table sharing stories, or simply enjoying the quiet moments of togetherness. He especially treasured traveling to visit his children and grandchildren who lived out of state or overseas—never hesitating to hop on a plane for the chance to spend time with them. Those visits were filled with laughter, connection, and memories that his family will hold onto forever.
James will be remembered for his warm presence, his unwavering loyalty, and his wonderfully dry sense of humor. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued, and he approached life with resilience and a generous heart. His legacy lives on not only in his children and grandchildren but also in the countless lives he touched through his friendship, kindness, and quiet strength.
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