James (Jim) F. Dick Sr. Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather
James (Jim) F. Dick Sr., formerly of Richburg, New York
residing at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wellsville since
December 2021, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Jim was born February 27, 1931, in Richburg, New York to the
late J. Frederick and Thelma “Skip” (Glover) Dick. He graduated from Richburg Central School and
married his high school sweetheart, Carol Cole November 5, 1949, in the
Richburg Parsonage. Jim and Carol
founded Sunny Hill Campsite in Richburg, New York and for 47 years, owned and
operated the private, family-owned business. During those years, he was blessed
with two sons, James Jr. and Steven Douglas.
Jim spent 32 years at Dresser-Clark/Clark Brothers in Olean
retiring in 1988. As a second shift
supervisor in the repair center, Jim developed many relationships that lasted
for years. Many stories are still told of
his adventures portraying Santa Claus for company Christmas parties. His coworkers gave Jim the nickname “Bigfoot”
as he was seen as a stern, yet fair, supervisor. After his retirement in 1988, Jim focused on
the development and day to day responsibilities at Sunny Hill, while also
spending some early mornings and late afternoons as a substitute school bus
driver for the Richburg Central School system.
He continued driving school bus for years even after the merger of the
Bolivar and Richburg School districts in 1994.
Jim was often found driving around Sunny Hill in one of his
Chevy pickup trucks with his trusted golden retriever companion, Rusty, sitting
in the passenger seat. As a lover of the
outdoors, Jim had no challenge keeping busy mowing the acreage of open fields,
maintaining the property, repairing any and all machinery, or giving fun
afternoon hayrides to children (and adults!) at Sunny Hill. Christmas in July, Saturday Night Bingo,
Square Dancing, the Fourth of July Celebrations, and Potluck Dinners were just
a part of what Jim and Carol provided to the Sunny Hill community. After the day’s festivities, Jim and his bride
along with their dog would be found around the campfire conversing with their
current and future camper community friends. It often included sipping on one
of those famous Sunny Hill Manhattans.
It was rare for Jim to be indoors for any length of time, as
he had an appreciation of wildlife. He could be found taking pictures of birds,
deer, turkey, fish and even bear. In
fact, later in Jim’s life he decided to lock a bear searching for food in one
of his sheds to discipline it! He was especially appreciative of the local deer
population and likely helped to grow the herds as he would spread corn for them
at least once, if not twice a day. One could watch the deer follow his red
truck and literally eat the corn right out of his hand.
Jim adored Carol and were often found side by side for
nearly 74 years of marriage they cherished together. It was a common occurrence
for him to bring a gift home to her from his work commute Furthermore, every
ten years of their marriage Jim would purchase a new wedding ring set for Carol. Together, they joined the Good Sam Club and
were fortunate to have traveled many places with their family and extended
family ‘camping friends.’ Countless
miles were traveled in the Bounder motorhome.
Jim was also a member of the Richburg Rod & Gun Club for
many years and even helped to construct the pond that is part of the Rod &
Gun Club today. Jim was a lover of music
and even in his last moments, Kenny Rogers could be heard on the radio that was
sitting on the bedside stand.
Jim is survived by a son, Steven (Georgia – “Sam”) Dick of
Richburg; four grandchildren: Tracy (Andrew) Martorana of LeRoy, New York;
David James (Kelli) Dick of Cuba, New York; Jason Frederick (Cassondra) Dick of
West Clarksville, New York; and Jennifer Marie Dick (Mark Charrette) of
Petersburg, New York and three great grandchildren: Paige Webb of LeRoy, New
York and Cason and Treyson Dick of West Clarksville, New York.
Jim is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Cole of
Richburg, New York; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Dick of Wellsville, New York; a
niece, Carolyn Kellogg Jonas of Wellsville, New York; a nephew, Philip Kellogg of
Ohio; and a great-niece, Caitlin Jonas of Wellsville, New York.
Jim was predeceased by his wife of nearly 74 years, Carol
Dick; his son, James F. Dick Jr; his father and mother, J. Frederick and Thelma
(Skip) Dick; and a sister, Melony Jean James.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 14 from
3:00pm – 6:00pm at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc.,
554 South Main St., Bolivar, New York 14715.
A private family service will be held Saturday, February
15. The Rev. Larry Allen will
officiate. Burial will follow in
Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, New York.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of
your own choosing. Online condolences can be submitted to www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
