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James Dean Obituary - Hill Funeral Home

Obituary for James Dean

James Dean 1947-2021

James Dean

04/30/1947 - 12/22/2021

Condolences

Condolence From: Mista Wilt, Green Valley, AZ
Condolence: I was a Security Officer at Northland Mall under Mr. Dean and became the Assistant Security Director, back in the 90's. I remember when I left to move to Milwaukee Wisconsin, Mr. Dean gave me an umbrella, and he said something clever about letting worries wash over me. I still carry that umbrella in my car. We recently had rain here, which doesn't happen much in Arizona and I told Mom that Mr. Dean had given me the umbrella so many years ago. I am so sorry to hear of his passing just a few days ago. He was always so calm and soft spoken. I really would have loved to have been the Security Director and work under Mr. Dean, but life took me another way. Nita I hope we can continue to exchange Christmas cards so I keep up with your family. My thoughts are with you and your family. Rest in peace Mr. Dean, I will always remember you and that great smile!

Tuesday December 06, 2022

Condolence From: Linda Hart, Guysville, Ohio
Condolence: Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dean family
Jim was such a kind caring person the impact of his loss will be felt by all
Linda and Pete Hart

Monday December 27, 2021

Condolence From: Sean Dean, Mooresville, North Carolina
Condolence: It was a honor to call Jim our uncle . His visits were always rich with laughter , Entertainment and fulfilled with warmth. He was a amazing soul will be missed everyday. Heaven recieved one of the best .

Thoughts and Prayers to Aunt Nita , Cousin Terrell and Family

Rest in Peace Our Uncle

Sunday December 26, 2021

Condolence From: Heather Frost, Pinellas Park, Florida
Condolence: It was an absolute honor to call you my Uncle Jim. You always had a smile and a genuine comment or joke to tell me as I grew up around your house with Terrel .
Hugs to Nita, Terrel and family right now. Know how much we love you guys and wish we could be there with you to celebrate the life of Uncle Jim ❤️ We will be there in spirit for sure .

Sunday December 26, 2021

Condolence From: Doug Caldwell, Sarasota, Florida
Condolence: From the perspective of a friend, Jim’s life is summed up by words that seem in short supply these days: Decent and ethical.

Other descriptive words and phrases would include humble, talented, a loving husband and father (and grandfather.)

Two verses of the civil rights anthem of “We Shall Overcome” seem to especially apply to Jim’s inner strength and now Nita and Terrel:
“We are not afraid today.
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We shall overcome someday.

We are not alone, we are not alone
We are not alone today
Oh, deep in my heart, I do believe,
We are not alone today”

Those of us who knew Jim were honored to have him as a friend.

Sunday December 26, 2021

Condolence From: John Burger, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Condolence: Rudolf Steiner in his book, Knowledge of the Higher Worlds, observes that to achieve a presence in the higher worlds one must have the "will to selfless collaboration." As a Brother-in-law I was fortunate to observe Jim's consistent 'will to selfless collaboration" that can also be described as a love of life and empathy for people. This is what we will miss the most with his passing - a void that must be filled through relationship with each other as his final note to us suggests. I wish I was there physically with Nita and family now, but know i am there in spirit to the fullest extent possible.

Sunday December 26, 2021

Condolence From: Lee Hamilton, San Diego, Cal
Condolence: Prayers for strength for you and your family during this time.

The group of us who came up together at WOUB as students and launched our broadcast careers mourn his passing.

He was fun, caring, ethical and a kind soul.

You are in our thoughts.

Lee Hamilton
San Diego

Sunday December 26, 2021

Condolence From: Myron Worley, Lexington, Kentucky
Condolence: What a man of integrity and professional inspiration to those of us fortunate enough to work with him. He introduced me to the shopping center business in 1983 at Jefferson Mall, and I considered him a mentor in professional courage, diplomacy, and communication. “Trained by James Dean” was a professional advantage—because of the high regard in which he was held. My wife and I will never forget the kindness he and Nita showed us then, and pray for their comfort in this difficult time.

Sunday December 26, 2021

Condolence From: Terrel Lefferts

Saturday December 25, 2021

Condolence From: Chris Davala, Roswell, GA
Condolence: Jim, Kathy & I are so saddened that you have left this "earthly plain," but grateful that your year of suffering is done and you are in a far better place. For 50+ years you made us the better for knowing you. Your loyalty and bedrock principles were steadfast, as was your awesomeness as a friend, and of course your wry sense of whimsy and the power of your wit. How fortunate we are to have known you. Our Condolences to Nita, Terrel, and The Family Dean-Lefferts.

Saturday December 25, 2021

Condolence From: Tom Edwards, Aurora, Colorado
Condolence: From freshman year at Ohio University to your marriage to Nita to getting together just to chat decades years later, you were the best.

I can imagine you looking down at us right now thinking of something genuinely funny to say.

Sincere condolences to Nita and the rest of your family. It was a privilege to know you.

Rest In Peace, friend.

Saturday December 25, 2021

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