Obituary for James Dixon of Huron, Hall of Fame Member

ames W. Dixon, age 88, of Huron, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023 at Huron Regional Medical Center in Huron. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 31, 2023 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish with burial at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron. Military Honors by the Huron Veteran’s Council. Visitation, with his family present, will be from 4-6 p.m., on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron.

James William Dixon was born on December 11, 1934 to parents Elmer and Ella (Herr) Dixon in Madison, South Dakota. Jim grew up in Madison, graduating from Madison High School. He then attended Dakota State University before joining the United States Army.

James married Sylvia Dooley in Pipestone, Minnesota on March 27, 1955. After James was honorably discharged, they made their home in Huron in 1960. Jim was a mail carrier in Huron for 35 years, retiring in 1989.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his passion was fast pitch softball. He was softball commissioner for the Huron district, state president of softball association, and youth co-state commissioner. He was inducted into the State Softball Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also active in the letter carrier union and served numerous offices and as state president. He loved to play pool and his team won the state title in 1988.

In 2000, his daughter Susan moved back to Huron. At this time, Jim became active in his grandsons, Shaun and Tre’s lives, coaching basketball and baseball for their many teams. He seldom missed a sporting event they participated in.

He is survived by his children, Jeff (Cory Criner) Dixon of Sioux Falls; Susan (Bob Hentzi) Henderson of Huron; 9 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; his significant other, June Layton of Huron; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers and 2 sisters; his wife, Sylvia; his son Ron (Alice) Dixon; and a great-granddaughter, Reina.