James "Bill" Dimmick

James Willis “Bill” Dimmick died December 30, 2016, after several years of declining health. He was born October 13, 1929, in Opelousas, Louisiana, fourth child and second son of Ira Clinton Dimmick, Sr. and his wife, Mary Ella Evans Dimmick. He moved with his family in 1939 to Lake Charles, Louisiana, which became his home for the remainder of his life. At this time he became a congregant of First United Methodist Church, where he remained an active member throughout his life. He graduated from Lake Charles High School 1947, accepted a basketball scholarship to McNeese Junior College (now McNeese State University), and graduated in 1951 from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He spent his entire career in the family business, Dimmick Supply Company, and its subsidiary Motive Service. He married Betty JoAnn Thorson on May 14, 1955.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty JoAnn Thorson; two children: one son, Robert Byron Dimmick, of Boston, Massachusetts; and one daughter, Laura Catherine Dimmick Tyler, of Mandeville, Louisiana, and her husband, Anthony E. Tyler; three grandchildren: Stephen Eric Tyler, of Baytown, Texas; Evan Andrew Tyler of Lake Charles and his wife Taylor Alexandra Novak; and Megan Elizabeth Tyler of Mandeville; one brother, Thomas Evans Dimmick, of Hemphill, Texas; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ira Clinton Dimmick, Jr, and his wife Eleanor Vincent Dimmick; two sisters: Alice Elizabeth “Betty” Hutchison and her husband H.L. “Hutch” Hutchison, and Mary Frances “Mef” McGraw and her husband John McGraw; and his sister-in-law Joan Dosher Dimmick.

A dutiful and loving son, husband and father, Bill described himself as “theologically liberal and politically conservative." On the occasion of his 70th birthday, his cousin Delmer Harrington described him as “a Christian gentleman.” An enthusiastic fisherman, Bill was at his happiest on the water with a rod and reel, especially at his camp on the Mermentau River.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the staff of the Guardian House for their care and attention to Bill in his last years.

A funeral service will take place at First United Methodist Church, 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, on Tuesday, January 3, at 1:00 PM, preceded by visitation at the church from 10:00 AM the start of the service. Interment will follow at Prien Memorial Park. Dr. Henry Blount, Rev. Weldon Bares, Rev. Craig Davis, and Rev. Katie Black will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.