James “Jim D” Wilbur Dillon was born in Boulder, Colorado on January 22nd, 1955 to Charles and Jean Dillon. Jim spent his childhood in Victor, Montana and then moved to Concrete, Washington in high school and graduated there. After high school Jim attended Eastern Washington University and earned his bachelor’s degree in education. Later in life he continued his education at UofM in Missoula and received his master’s degree, which he was very proud of.
In 1978 James met and married the love of his life Marty. In 1980, they had their first child, a son, Chaz. Soon after they moved to Brockton and had 2 more children, daughters Kari and Caitlin.
James began teaching at Brockton School’s in 1980 and spent the rest of his teaching career there until he retired in 2006. Jim took on various roles in his career such as assistant administrator, junior high science, high school art and supervisor for student council. Jim was very interactive with his students and was always known for hanging out in the hallway at lunch taking the time to get to know each and every one of his students (or just trying to get the hot gossip from the weekend). He loved rewarding his students for their accomplishments, which is why he invented the infamous gold slip auctions. Jim also had a deep love for high school sports. He could be seen doing everything from announcing the starting lineup, taking stats and even sweeping the floors. He loved chaperoning the high school basketball tournaments because everyone was too scared to sneak out when he was manning the halls. Later in life Jim enjoyed visiting with friends, attending auctions and hanging out with and spoiling his grandsons.
James had many close relationships with families of the community including the Nygard’s, Lambert’s, Spotted Birds, Bighorns, Johnson’s and Belgrade’s. He was a pillar of the community and respected by many for the work he did with the students of the Brockton community. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
James was preceded in death by his loving wife Marty; Parents, Chod and Jean; Sister Colleen; adopted son, Sean Bighorn.
He is survived by his son, Chaz; daughters Kari(Chase), Caitlin(Dan); Grandsons Chandler, Aca, Jared, Eli and Mateo; Sister, Shannon (Dale); nieces, Dee and Jenny; nephew, Jason; adopted sons; Joseph Chase Sr., Adrien Spotted Bird Jr; Special friends, Rod, Larry, Gordy and Doug.
We would also like to give a huge thank you to Dr. Z of Wolf Point for all the care, kindness and friendship that he displayed to Jim throughout the years.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Karen Trejo Gonzalez says
You will be missed by so many. Thank you for always be there when needed for me and my siblings when we’re were kids and as we grew up. No more pain now. Rest in peace now Mr.Dillon. Condolences to family.
Loren Boadle says
Sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great man and I enjoyed my time when I worked for him at the school. Thoughts and prayers to Marty, Chaz and Kari.
Julie bemer says
My condolences to the family.
Verdis Grey Bull says
So sorry to hear of our brother’s passing. Now he can be free and be with his beautiful wife, Marty. And him and Chuck can both tell each other their jokes.
McGeorge DeMarrias says
Jimbo / Jim Dillon – an amazing man, teacher, artist, basketball player, coach, who will be missed. You made a name for yourself on this REZ / Brockton Warriors area. You kept me on the straight and narrow, I am very proud to have known you and have you as my teacher and Croats country and track coach. From the “Class of 1982” have a good journey.
Twilia Bear Cub says
Thoughts and prayers for Chaz, Kari and Ubu. Your parents are the best people with the biggest hearts. They will be missed.
Erickson Janet says
Sending my condolences. I REMEMBER Mr. DILLION from my childhood visiting Brockton with my mom. As I grew up, I admired him for his support and engagement with the community and families in Brockton. Very cool guy ❤
Rhonda Mason says
Mr. Dillon, my years teaching at Brockton was truly blessed by you being there. Your tough love for the students was what made the place great. Everyone respected your compassion, energy, and commitment to the Brockton Warriors. We loved the way you dressed and for always being there when we needed you. And the fun and crazy times. Especially the time we almost ran out of gas coming back from Canada, we literally coasted into Plentywood. Prayers for Chaz, Kari and Uboo and grandchildren.
Always, Rhonda Mason aka Shumway
Roxann Smith says
Sending my heart, prayers, peace, to your families. Your dad and mom are now in the hands of our Creator. I know Sean, Quinn, papa Chuck and all the people who left before us will be there to welcome him. He’s with his momma Jean and dad Chod rejoicing, telling everyone about his children and grandchildren. He touched many lives while here on earth. He had such a uniqueness about him, kids flocked to him because he understood how to relate to our kids’ issues. He wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is…! (sometimes we didn’t want to hear what he was going to say!” Travel well my friend. He will always be one of Brockton’s best Warriors. Once a Warrior always a Warrior! LiLiLiLi! Toksa we will see you again. Love Roxy
The Joe Bear family says
We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Dillon’s passing. We remember him fondly from his years working for the Brockton Schools. May the Lord bless you during this time. Hugs and prayers.
Roseann Strickland says
Mr D was the funniest and good hearted man I have ever had the chance to meet .He was a Very humorous man always cracking jokes no matter where you were he always has something funny to say. He was the type of man that you could talk to anything about and he always had the best answer or a good one if he didn’t know definitely will miss our long talks on the phone and him giving me shit just like he always has. He will definitely be missed by so many people up in Brockton if he was loved that’s for sure rest in peace Mr. D until we meet again.
Pearl MacDonald says
My condolences to all the family. Jim was such a great man. He will be deeply missed by all. My prayers are with you all.
David E Boyd Sr says
He respected those who served their also invited our post on Veterans Day, farewell Mr. Dilon
EJ Lambert says
Fly high Jimmy D your gonna be greatly missed I’m so glad we crossed paths and became friends. Remember all the great times we had playing basketball in the notorious Rez league, our all night poker games at Chuckie’s were the best food jokes teasing with lots of laughter. Hunting the river bottoms was always a blast ! RIP Koda and keep my seat at the card table warm I will see you again ….
Royal Houg says
I didn’t know Jim in his earlier years. I met him after my father, Bill Beck had passed and I was left in charge or running Dad’s Sporting Shop, BECKs in Poplar.
He walked in one day sharply dressed in his leathers and introduced himself and sat down and we visited.
That was the first of many visits by Jim and Mom and I just loved to see him.
He was a very caring individual and very knowledgeable. He also was a great help to myself when I was readying our inventory for the final gun and accessories auction that we held in the Legion Club in Poplar.
Rest In Peace, Jim and Thanks for all your help!
You were a Godsend to us!!!
Royal Beck Houg
Gordy Schultz says
First day of college and J.D. Walked into my dorm room. A first meeting turned into a 38 year friendship. Can’t divulge all our shenanigans but some memorable shenanigans took place during those school years. There is a line in the song.Werewolves of London that always makes me think of him… “Walked into Trader.Vics, and his hair, was …perfect”. Boy, that was him. Knew how to make an entrance.
To the kids, I know it’s been a rough few years. You did what you could so don’t for a second think you should have done more.
My love for all of you.
Gordy
Gordy Schultz says
Guess it was 1976 when we met, and discovered we were long lost friends that are meeting for the first time.
46 years later I’m wrapping my head around the fact that my texts will go unanswered and our memories are just mine alone.
My thoughts are to you three kids. It’s been a rough road for you the last few years. Thank you for all that you did for your dad and all that you put up with.
Gordy
Frank DeMarrias says
RIP Jim Dillion, I got to know you when my kids went to school and ran x-country and I wrote the sports stories for The Warriors. I also liked it when we had Public Speaking and sat together here at FPCC. Now you and Marty are together 4 ever.