James E. Dilling, Age 78, Of Kalamazoo, Formerly of Battle Creek, Died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center. James was born on August 25, 1935, in Battle Creek, the son of Harry and Earldine (Wagner) Dilling, Sr. He had been a lifelong resident of the area and attended Springfield Schools. He had lived the last 16 years in Kalamazoo. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jim was employed with Michigan Carton then Rock-tenn for 41 years until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Resurrection Power Ministries and a former member of the Sportsman’s Club. He enjoyed playing softball for many years, hunting, fishing, Detroit Tiger Baseball, cookouts with the family and going to Willard Beach. On October 16, 1987, he was united in marriage to the former Patricia Walton who survives. Also surviving are children, Debbie (Jeffrey) Davis, Dan (Treza) Dilling and Cheryl (David) Curry; step-children, Larry (Paula) Thomason, Mark (Philena) Thomason and Rebecca Thomason; 7 grandchildren, 14 step-grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 14 step great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; brothers, Harry Dilling, Jr., and Richard (Donna) Dilling; a sister, Sally McDaniels; several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 2 to 6:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 2014, at the funeral home with Pastor Mike Sparks officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association. www.henryfuneralhome.org
