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Melvin "Jim" Dickey, 95, of Beech Creek, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2023.
Born on Nov. 17, 1928 in Beech Creek, he was the son of the late Paul and Dorothy (McCloskey) Dickey.
Jim married the love of his life, Elaine Holter, in 1948. They shared 49 years together prior to her passing in 1997.
Jim was constantly giving back to his community as a Beech Creek Borough Councilman, Lions Club member and a member of the Beech Creek-Blanchard Volunteer Fire Association since 1964. He was also a Master Mason and Scottish Rite Life Member.
Jim was a positive influence to all who knew him. He was always so patient, kind and pleasant up to the very end.
In his younger years, Jim enjoyed being outdoors. Whether he was in the woods hunting, mowing his yard or tending to his garden, you could find him with a smile on his face enjoying nature.
His family was blessed to have had 95 wonderful years with him. They were the joy of his life. He could often be found sitting on his daughter's back porch telling stories about his life or snoozing after Sunday family dinners. Pappy Jim simply loved being immersed in the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Out of all Dad's accomplishments, he was most proud of the home he built by hand and raised his family in. He especially loved when friends and family came to visit. He was happy to be able to live out his life in that home.
Later in life Jim remarried Shirley Bitner and together they enjoyed spending time at the Bald Eagle Ridge Runner Campgrounds and Grange Fair.
His family would like to give a very special thank you to his caregivers, Bernita Haugh and Becky Lavelle.
We would also like to thank the UPMC Hospice team for the wonderful care they provided our Dad.
Jim is survived by his son, Tim Dickey; a daughter, Kristin Eckley, and her husband, Tom, who Jim thought of as a son; six grandchildren, Hata Taylor, Heather Foster, Diane Rowley (Dan), Karinne Santonico (Nick), Elaina and Avery Eckley; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Laurel, Trinity, Andrew, Pricilla, Lilly, Felicity, Kylee, Mila and Luca; and a great-great-grandchild, Ivy.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Holter; a son, Gary Dickey; a brother, Richard Dickey; and his second wife, Shirley Bitner.
At Jim's request, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place at the Blanchard Church of Christ Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to the Clinton County SPCA.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Singer Kader Neff Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Howard, Pa.