James (Jim) Bernard Dillon, 79, went to be with our Lord on May 31, 2012. He died on the Catholic Feast of the Visitation. He was born on July 13, 1932 in Casper, Wyo. to Charles Jackson Dillon
and Bertha Adami. His grandparents, Charles Jackson Dillon Sr. and Jennifer Daniels Dillon, raised him on a ranch south of Newcastle, Wyo.

One of his fondest memories was when he played guitar in a band as a teenager. The Montana 3 played around Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska in the 1940s.

He served in the military from 1951 to 1953, and was in the Korean War. After serving, Jim got a job driving truck, and that is how he supported his family for the rest of his career.

On June 27, 1963 he married the love of his life, and the woman he later credited with saving his life, Kathleen Dillon. To this union four children were born: James, Katherine, Robert and Bertina.
Throughout their marriage James and Kathleen traveled around the country until finally settling down in Custer in 1973. James worked as a supervisor at Pacer Corp., and also continued truck driving. On
March 25, 1982 James and Kathleen were formally brought into the Catholic church, had their marriage blessed, and made St. John the Baptist Catholic Church their spiritual base.

In 1988 James purchased Custer Rental Management, which he owned and operated for 20 years. He frequently spoke of the good people he met during this time and was grateful for the many friends he and his family made through the business.

James will be remembered the most for his contagious laugh and great sense of humor, as well as his appreciation for country music. But above all, he will be remembered for the deep love and devotion he
displayed for God and his family. Family was the most important thing to James, and he worked hard his entire life to ensure they were taken care of.

Survivors include James and Kimberly Dillon; Katherine Williams; Robert and Lareena Dillon; Bertina Larcher Gooding and Jim Gooding; 25 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Kathleen Dillon.

A wake will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 4 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 5 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with Fr. Peter Kovarik as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Custer Regional Senior Care.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.