James Leroy Dishaw

He was preceded in death by his beloved eldest daughter, Jillian Marie Dishaw.

James was the firstborn child of Mabel Massey and the eldest of three children, including his sisters, Mona and Marcia Dishaw, and his stepsister, Sheri Copeland.

James graduated from Munford High School as valedictorian and earned a scholarship to De Vry University, where he majored in Computer Engineering. During this time, James met the love of his life, Helen, while they were both working in Chicago. Their love blossomed, and they were united in marriage, beginning a beautiful journey together that lasted 45 years.

Together, James and Helen were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Jillian, Barbara, and Jamie Dishaw. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and family-oriented man who cherished the time he spent with his family.

James was offered an opportunity to work as a computer engineer at NASA in Houston, Texas, where he proudly dedicated 10 years of his career. He later relocated to New York, where he worked for CAE Link, before continuing his career in Texas at L3 Communications. After many years of hard work and dedication, James retired in 2016.

James took great pride in his career at NASA and treasured the friendships he built throughout his life, especially the bond he shared with his best friend, Joe Vlaming, He had a passion for music, cooking, computers, photography, and the Tennessee Volunteers. He also enjoyed traveling and taking drives in his beloved Camaro.

Known for his generous and free-hearted spirit, James was a man who valued family, friendship, and the simple joys of life. His love for his family was evident in all that he did, and his presence brought warmth and happiness to those around him.

James leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving wife of 45 years, Helen Dishaw, daughter of Barbara Jean and William Wallace; his daughters, Barbara E. Scroggins and her husband, Christopher Scroggins, and Jamie M. Dishaw; his mother, Mabel Copeland; and his sisters, Marcia Massey and her husband, Steve Massey, Sheri Holloway and her husband, Norman Holloway, and Mona Laffoon.

He also leaves behind his granddaughter, Chelsea Mays, and Carlos Mays, of his beloved daughter Jillian; Barbara's children, Vanessa Jensen and her husband, Jeffery Jensen, and Eden Scroggins; and Jamie's children, Skyler Lipscomb and Hunter Moore. James was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Mariah Jensen, River Jensen, and Everleigh Jean Jensen, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members.

Before his peaceful passing, James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior through the loving guidance of his son-in-law, Christopher Scroggins, and his grandson-in-law, Jeff Jensen. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord and reunited in Heaven with his beloved firstborn daughter, Jillian Marie.

James Leroy Dishaw leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a legacy of love, and an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer physically present, his kindness, laughter, wisdom, and love will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.