Jeffrey Hilton Dickerson

For 80 years and change, Jeffrey Hilton Dickerson, a.k.a. JD the DJ, The Hombre, Daddy Doodi stomped the terra. Those who knew, loved, or even just tolerated Jeff are struggling to wrap their minds and hearts around his passing, which was peaceful, in the comforts of his Birmingham home on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Some will no doubt remember that Bama was beating A&M. Others will recall feeling the world become less interesting. What shall we do without his encyclopedic brain and quick wit on speed dial?

Born on December 15, 1942, in Moline, Illinois, Jeff was a quintessential first born, big brother, hooligan, husband, father, and grandfather. A computer-programming executive by day, Jeff loved a good challenge at work, but he mostly worked to live and live large. Blackjack or Texas hold ‘em at the Venetian (or on his desktop), live music at “The Fest,” a top shelf margarita from a good-looking bartender, a fantastic meal and wine pairing, or a white chocolate mocha paired with good conversation were a few of his favorite pastimes.

His actual favorite thing: outdoor adventure. Jeff leveraged his experiences as an eagle scout and a dog handler in the Army into a life of camping, skiing, snowmobiling, rafting, hiking, and fishing. Jeff’s love language was to share a favorite view or fishing spot. If he’s never escorted you somewhere beautiful; taught you how to cast, mend, and drift; or rowed you down the Snake River, he probably didn’t like you very much.

As usual, his adoring and devoted wife, Dianne Wynne Dickerson, charted the path. They were partners in all things, to include crime and adventure. Those who knew her can imagine the itinerary she’s planned, an eternity of early mornings—o’dark thirty to be exact—to catch the best light, the best scenery, and the smallest crowds. The only thing that feels right about Jeff’s death is his reunion with Di.

Jeff was also preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Howard and Elizabeth Jane Hassett Dickerson, whose lives were enriched, and probably shortened, by his antics; his longsuffering sister Janet Sue Johnston; as well as Duane Allman, Michael Hedges, John Lee Hooker, and Jeff Beck.

Jeff leaves heartbroken his son, Jeffrey Scott Dickerson; his daughters, Carey Ellen Andrzejewski (Mark) and Rachel Kay Resha (Joe); ex-wife and loving mother to his daughters, Anita McLane Dickerson; and his beloved grandchildren, Joseph, Leo, Ruby, and Jacob. They will forever think of Granddaddy when flying a kite, playing chess, or creating an Amazon wish list.

Jeff's family and friends will treasure the memories and adventures they shared with him. He will be deeply missed by his siblings: William Dickerson (Jean), Margaret Brennan, Christopher Dickerson (Jennifer), Mabel MacMillan (Duncan), and Catherine Kerrigan (James), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and friends from every place he called home: Birmingham, Alaska, NOLA, the Bay Area, Park City, and Jackson, Wyoming, where the views are spectacular, the rainbow trout are plentiful, and the goddamn rivers don’t catch on fire.

In memory of Jeff, donations can be made online to Friends of the River or The Nature Conservancy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Dickerson family.