U.S. Veteran Jim Dilley, 74, was born in Athens, made Athens his home, and died
peacefully here on Monday, April 28th, 2008. Jim was preceded in death
by his mother and father, Geneva and Frank Dilley. He is survived by
his wife Berry, his sister Ann (Marvin) White, of Columbus, his
brothers Josiah (Ingrid), of Madison, Wisconsin, and Frank (Jane), of
Newark, Delaware, his stepson Steve (Francoise) Coy of Albuquerque,
New Mexico, many nieces and nephews, a number of international
students for whom Jim and Berry were family, and many good friends.
Jim graduated from Athens High School in 1951, and in 2006, on the
occasion of his 55th class reunion, he summarized his life since high
school as follows: “After graduating from Athens High, I enrolled
at Ohio University where I obtained a BA in mathematics in 1955 and an
MS in Physics in 1956. At OU I took with me my interest in debate and
music. Highlights: debating with a team which won the State
Championship and singing with a quartet on nationwide TV, Christmas
Eve 1956, during the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. In 1959 I went back to
graduate school at Syracuse University where I picked up new interests
in hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing. I spent summers
at Grand Teton National Park indulging those interests, and school
years completing a PhD in Theoretical Physics. In 1969 I returned to
OU, joining a small but rapidly growing Department of Physics and
Astronomy. Gradually my interests shifted from nuclear physics to
planetary science, which enticed me to develop a class on the solar
system and teach it to literally thousands of students. On the
personal side of my life, I met Berry Coy, who taught in the School of
Theater, in 1972, married her the following year, and thereby acquired
a stepson, Steve. I introduced Berry and Steve to backcountry
adventures, while Berry brought a different kind of adventure to me.
During the past years, Berry and I have “adopted” a number of
international “children” (OU students) who have greatly enriched
our lives. On July 1, 1996, I “early retired”, but still teach
my solar system course during the Winter Quarter. With the added time
available, Berry and I have so far visited extended family in
Indonesia, mainland China, and Taiwan, and will probably add Vietnam
to the list soon. As for me, no more rock climbing and no more white
water canoeing. But I am still very much in the market for good hikes,
backpacks, and mountain scrambles. Anyone want to join me?”
Jim was also an officer in the US Air Force, from 1956 to 1963. While
in active duty he was involved in a research program aimed at
developing an atomic-powered aircraft. He was a long distance runner,
and completed the Athens Marathon a number of times. He has climbed
mountains in Nepal, New Zealand, and many in his beloved Rockies, both
in the Western US and in Canada. Jim’s stepson, Steve, has followed
in his footsteps, inheriting Jim’s love of physics, mathematics,
running, and mountains.
A memorial service for Jim will be held at 7 PM Wednesday evening,
May 7th, at The First Presbyterian Church, N. Court and Washington
Streets, Athens. Arrangements are being handled by Jagers & Sons
Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the staff of Appalachian
Community Hospice for the wonderful care Jim received.
