Jim Dixon

Jim Dixon, 78, of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at Parkview North Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born February 5, 1933 in Rush County to George and Aletha G. Wilson Dixon and attended Short High School in Liberty. From 1950 until 1953, Jim served aboard the USS Shenandoah with the United States Navy. Upon his discharge, he served in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves with 38 years combined, serving his country he retiring as a Colonel. On June 15, 1957, he married the former Kay Belden at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Liberty. From 1958 until 1959, Jim served as a Boy Scout Leader in Liberty. In 1960, he was hired as a lineman with General Telephone Company and over the years worked as an installation and maintenance supervisor, dispatch supervisor, and at his retirement in 1988 he was a test supervisor. While employed with GTE, he was active with the Allen County Police Reserves and continued there after retirement. Jim is survived by: his wife; a daughter and son-in-law: Kim and Jeff Barr of Lewisville, Texas; a grandson: Tyler Barr; a sister-in-law: Jo Ann Belden, of Indianapolis; a brother-in-law: Ron Belden and his wife Pam of Linton, a niece: Michelle Krebbs and her husband David of Bloomington; three nephews: Joshua Belden of Linton; Mike Cox of Orlando, Florida, and Ryan Belden of Anderson; several great-nephews and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by: his parents; his parents-in-law: Virgil and Pauline Belden; a sister-in-law: Marilyn Cox. Public graveside services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Cemetery in Liberty with Rev. Stanley Herber of St. Gabriel Catholic Church officiating and military honors by American Legion Post 122 and VFW Post #1472, both of Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made to the Allen County Sheriff Reserves Traffic Division (3022 Easterly Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818) or to the SPCA Pet Shelter and Adoption Center (4914 S Hanna St Fort Wayne, IN 46806.) Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty is in charge of the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.