Jimmy Lee Dilbone

He was born on June 7, 1938 in Delphos, Ohio to the late Donald and Juanita (Stopher).

Jim graduated from Van Wert High School, he participated in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was honored as an All Ohio Football player and played quarterback and linebacker. He later graduated from Hillsdale College with a teaching degree, and participated in football, baseball and diving. Jim later graduated with a Masters Degree from St. Francis College.

Jim married Margaret King on November 26, 1960. She survives.

He began his teaching and coaching career in Archbold, Ohio, and later served at Litchfield, Michigan, Piqua, Ohio and Norwell High School in Ossian, Indiana, before his longtime career at Fremont High School.

His career at Fremont High School was extensive and full of many achievements. Jim served as varsity football coach at Fremont High School from 1971 until 1994. He had 96 career football wins, most in school history. He had 15 seasons of his teams winning at least half of its games, highlighted by the 1983 team with a 7-3 record, only losing to the cluster champions that season. His 1987 team had its best season record of 9-1, losing only to the eventual state runner-up. He coached 56 All Conference Players, several All State Players, and had several players that went on to play college football. He also served as the varsity girls basketball coach, head wrestling coach, head track coach, and served as assistant coach for many other sports teams. He also found time to serve as Athletic Director for Fremont High School.

Jim sincerely cared about his players, students, fellow coaches and their lives. He was inducted and Honored as a member of the Fremont High School Sports Wall of Fame, and earned the nickname of “The Rock”.

Jim had a keen sense of humor, enjoyed taking trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and served as a YMCA Camp Counselor.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, loved teaching, coaching, and being a mentor. Jim made a lasting impact on many players, students, and his coaching staff, as well as his family. He helped everyone to become better and will be missed by many.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret “Peg” Dilbone of Waterloo, Indiana, children, Debra Rakestraw of Kendallville, Indiana, Jeffrey Dilbone of Peru, Indiana and James Dilbone of Waterloo, Indiana, grand children, Jeremy Rakestraw, Josh Grange (Kassidy Crow), Bryan Boyer, Netosha (Emanuel) Keim, Amanda (Andres) Dilbone) and RJ (Maddie) Dilbone, great-grandchildren, Marley, Kameryn, Krimsyn, Anna, Leander, Aubrey, Landon and Millie, and daughter-in-law, Connie Porter of Angola, Indiana.

He was also preceded in death a brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Delila Dilbone.

Visitation will be held from 1 pm until 3 pm Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana.

Funeral Services will follow at 3 pm, Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana. Pastor Janet Miller will officiate the service.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to the family or the Fremont High School Athletic Department.