James Francis Dillon

James Francis Dillon, our sweet ole Pap, 78, of Gallipolis, Ohio went to be with His Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Holzer Hospital Hospice Unit. He was born November 10, 1939 in Miller, Ohio. He was the son of Kirtley and Josephine Meeks Dillon, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by Ella Kay Dunn to whom he was married, until her passing in 1983. In 1984, he moved from Columbus to Gallipolis where he met Betty Hunt Ellis Queen; they were together until her passing in 2011. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde Dillon and Harold Dillon; as well as three sisters, Wilma Lee “Billy” Dillon, Sarah Katherine “Katie” Delay, and Lucy Pawley. James was a 1958 graduate of Mercerville High School. After graduation, James enlisted in the Unites States Air Force, in which he served 1959-1964 in Japan and Korea. After returning home from the service, he was employed by Adria Laboratories in Columbus, where he retired in 1984. Surviving are his four children from his marriage to Ella- Jimmy F. Dillon and Angela (Jerry) Collins both of Bidwell, Ohio, David (Kathy) Dillon of Grove City, Ohio and Deborah (Chuck) Monroe of Marion, Ohio and his stepchildren - James (Shirley) Ellis, Eva (Paul) Wolfe, and Myree Beaver all of New Richmond, Ohio, Martha (Thomas) Cox, Donna Ellis, and Melissa (Willie) Queen (with whom he lived) all of Gallipolis, Ohio, Ray Queen Jr. of Louisville, Kentucky, Betsy (Jack) Smith of Jackson, Ohio, and Joseph Ellis of Chillicothe, Ohio. He is survived by 26 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis, Ohio with Pastor Alfred Holley officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Mercerville Cemetery, Mercerville, Ohio. Friends may call prior to the service from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Matthew Dillon, Willie Sexton, John Leonard, Mike Wolfe, Steve Couch, and Jack Smith. There will be military graveside services by the Gallia County Funeral Detail. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.