James R Dickerson was born April 17, 1941 to James and Bernice Dickerson in Crum Lynne, Pennsylvania. He was called home July 22, 2022 at the age of 81.
James attended Ridley Township High School in Folsom, Pennsylvania where he was an outstanding student, athlete and school leader. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his tour with the Air Force, he received meritorious service and commendation medals for his work in personnel management, equal opportunity and a race relations program for military leaders and others. After retiring from the Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in San Marcos, Texas. He was one of the first investigators with the Texas Commission on Human Rights before joining the Alamo Colleges District. During his time with the Alamo Colleges District he served as Employment Manager, Equal Employment Opportunity Official, Assistant and Interim Director of Human Resources, and Director of the Advanced Technology Center. He was also one of the originators of the Human Relation Generalist Certification Program at San Antonio College. He retired from Alamo Colleges District in 2011.
His retirement brought opportunities for leisure travel with family and friends as well as time to pursue hobbies and work in the community. It also gave him time to do nothing, although that was rare. When asked how he liked retirement he often responded with “they pay me to do this.” He used his leadership talents to lead the Coliseum Willow Park Neighborhood Association. He worked tirelessly keeping the neighbors informed of codes, polices and other relevant information through the CWPNA Newsletter and monthly meetings. James was one of the original neighborhood association presidents assisting in the creation of the district 2 Presidents Round Table.
James was supportive of the Friends of Sam Houston High School Scholarship. He was a Gold Life member of the NAACP and was active in the San Antonio Branch. He made sure all members of his family were life members.
His deeds standout like diamonds that brightly gleam. His many words, acts of kindness and tender grace will always be remembered. To know him was to love him. He lived a peaceful life and was always willing to help anyone in any way he could - loved ones and strangers. Nothing gave him more pleasure. He was a kind and indulgent father and grandfather, a good friend, a quiet and helpful neighbor; a man that you were pleased to know.
James was preceded in death by his parents; daughter; Veron Dickerson; four brothers Frankie Dickerson; Barry Dickerson; William Dickerson; Kevin Dickerson; three sisters Bernice Dickerson; Jean Johnson; Diane Vivian Patrick. He is survived by his son Aaron (Clara) Dickerson; grandchildren Amari; Aldin; Austin; Arabella; loving life partner Willie Mae Taylor and her daughter Loi Taylor; sisters Elaine (Herbert) Bowman; Charlene Scott; Sandra Barnes; Janet (Brook) Benton; Tina Johnson; brother Henry (Shelia) Dickerson; extended family members Camille Abrams; Pier Abrams; Kayla Wilson; Jerry Arceneaux; Jerrick Arceneaux; Jayden Arceneaux; and a host of friends; numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.