James Jimmy E. Dickard

Visitation will be Friday February 26, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, MS and on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Jimmy was born March 18, 1921, to loving parents, James Cleveland and Nina Everett Dickard in Holmes County and raised in the old family home, Liberty Chapel, outside of Lexington, MS.

Jimmy was a student at Holmes Junior College in Durant, MS when he was drafted into the army to fight for our country in World War II, serving with the Dixie Divison in the Pacific Theater, fighting in West New Guinea and Southern Philippines. He received battlefield commission to Staff Sergeant and was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Medal for his service during the war. He is listed in the World War II Registry of Remembrances at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

After the war, Jimmy made his home in Dallas, TX where he met his wife Rachel LaMance Dickard. They lived in Dallas with their young daughters, LaVonne and Nina, until 1957 when he moved his family to Jackson, MS to be near his aging parents and family.

Upon his return, Jimmy owned and operated Cleaners and opened the first coin operated laundry mat in Jackson. After owning five Laundromats in the Jackson area, he sold his businesses to begin a building business. In the 1960's, he began his career in the residential home building business and also became a Subdivision Developer. He was a distinguished member of the Home Builders Association of Jackson serving on the Board of Directors and was awarded a lifetime membership. Mr. Dickard was a well respected business man and known to mentor many young men and women wanting to become home builders and developers.

He was married in 2001 to Barbara Harkins and they enjoyed nine wonderful years together. His family and loved ones will remember his generosity, patience, humor and love of life and family.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Rachel, sisters, Lucy Dickard Taylor (Floyd), Virginia Dickard Brock, Billie Dickard Thichonchick (Mike).

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Harkins Dickard, daughters LaVonne Chase and her husband, Jess of Madison, Nina McCaslin-Horn, and her husband, Garrett of Seagrove Beach, Florida, Step-son Tommy Harkins and wife, Lynn, of Jackson. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Trip McCaslin of Cleveland, MS. Chris McCaslin of Huntsville, AL, and

Rachel Johnson Spence of Fort Worth, TX., two step grandchildren, Trip and Leslie Harkins of Jackson, MS. He is also survived by five great grandchildren and several loved nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to gratefully thank all of Jimmy’s care givers: Vert Cartharn, DeeBentley, Louvetta McIntyre, Dianna Hoover, Lillie Montgomery and David Evans. They would also Like to thank all the nurses and Dr.’s that so lovingly administered to him at Baptist Hospital and the Hospice Ministries.

Memorials may be made to Highland Colony Baptist Church of which Mr. Dickard was a member or the charity of your choice.