Family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Greater 12th Baptist Church, 1561 Cleophus Kee Blvd, Columbus, OH 43211. Interment: Eastlawn Cemetery.

James "Jimmy" Arthur Dickerson Sr., husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa, peacefully departed this life on February 6, 2026.

He was born in Gilliam, West Virginia, the only child of David and Mamie Dickerson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, James Dickerson Jr. (“Lil Jimmy"), and his grandson, Casey Goodson Jr.("CJ")

James relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he built both a career and a life rooted in dedication and quiet strength. He worked as a presser at a dry cleaner in Upper Arlington in the early 1960s, taking great pride in his precision and craftsmanship. He later worked at the Ohio Malleable from 1969 until its closing in 1980. He was a proud member of Laborers’ Local 432 and remained a dedicated worker until his retirement in 2004.

A man of few words to many, James was often described as reserved or stoic. Yet those who truly knew him understood his deep love for his family. He was protective of his children, concerned over every scratch, bump, or bruise and took pride in making sure his family presented themselves well. If clothes were wrinkled, he would call it out and often press them himself with the same precision he brought to his profession.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: tending to his yard, growing a garden, and quietly competing with his neighbor over whose lawn looked best. He enjoyed fishing, watching golf and fishing on television, and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. Above all, he loved his family, especially holding new babies in his arms.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Deborah Holland-Dickerson; his children, Sherrie Dickerson, Trina Dickerson, Robert Holland, and Sherrice (Martin Sr.) Hopkins; his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Leftwich and Norma (Howard) Turner; his brother-in-law, Foster (Shirley) Mackey; and a host of grandchildren: Tameka Dickerson, Latonia Cummings, Keyle Foster, Lisa Dickerson, Antjuan Holland, Marcia Holland, Marra Thompson, Dominic Minor, Parker Hopkins, and Martin Hopkins Jr. ("Myles").

He also leaves great-grandchildren: J’lyn Gray, Ja'Nya Gray, Kamren Sullivan, Isabella Paschal, Damari Cummings, Anwar Jones Jr., Ke'mani Foster, Jerimiah Seay, Camille Holland, Caliah Holland, Kaiden Holland, and Cailyn Thompson. Along with many extended family members, including Nanci Allen, who provided support and care during and after his final days, and longtime friend, Arthur Conwell.