Jim (James) John Dyson III was received into Christ’s arms on May 22, 2022. Jim was born February 17, 1940 in Pipestone, Minnesota. His family soon relocated to San Gabriel, CA where his father James John Dyson worked for Warner Brothers. His mother, Coyla (Quammen) ran a gas station/store. They then relocated to Jamestown where his father established an electrical and neon sign business. It was here they found lifetime friend Jim Ogden. Jim and his sisters were the last of the students to attend Rawhide Elementary School.
Jim grew up fishing and hunting, they say he seemed to run everywhere he went. Jim was a jock in high school, played basketball and was quarterback on the football team.
Jim married Darlene (Robles) and raised a family of five in Oakdale. He enjoyed coaching his children's teams and passed on his love of nature and the outdoors, also hunting and fishing, where he made many dear friends.
Jim always worked, starting early at his father’s sign business. Jim was a natural and chose to apply himself and master the quill (lettering). He became the area’s most renowned sign artist. He had a knack for business and in 1974 opened SIGNCO in Stockton, CA. Jim’s work can still be seen throughout the area.
In the mid 80’s Shirley Blanton, a window splasher (temporary window advertising) came into SIGNCO to a get supplies. Jim soon offered to “show her the ropes” if she steered jobs through him. They worked well together and married 10 years later in 1995. Jim became the stepfather of Shirley’s three children.
Jim and Shirley complemented each other. Jim’s creativity shone and Shirley mastered the new computer technology that was becoming the norm. What a change from when Jim painted billboards and signs by hand.
Jim eventually traded his rifle and fishing pole for a bow and fly rod. He found it more challenging. Mostly he enjoyed the camaraderie of his many longtime friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Coyla, and his twin sisters Kae Kellogg and Rae Thomason.
Jim is survived by his first wife Darlene, and Shirley, who still runs the business. He will be missed by his sister Venice Francis; his children James IV (Jim) and (Michelle), Janet, Greg and (Sheri), Lisa and (Jay), Daryn, Garrett, Stewart and Erin and (Cliff); grandchildren Nicole, Faron, Fallon, Travis, Mitch, Haley, Makenna and Holly; and great grandchildren Aidan, Keelia, Roman, Presley, Mila, Gino, Max, Rhett, Harvyn, and Holt. Jim’s many nephews and nieces will miss his sense of humor and wit.
The family invites you to join and celebrate his life on June 18, 11 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lodi, 50 S. Lower Sacramento Road. There will be a luncheon afterward and the opportunity to share with the family. Should friends desire, they may contribute in his name to their favorite pet rescue facility. Jim’s pets provided him with unending joy and comfort.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
June 8, 2022
