James Howard Dykes Obituary (2023)

We are saddened beyond our shock of the sudden death of James "Jim" Dykes on November 9, 2023, at the age of 81 years old. It happened in the early morning, surrounded by his group of coffee/breakfast friends at a favorite meeting place. James was born on July 26, 1942, to Howard and Hazel Dykes in Yakima, Washington, the youngest of five children. He attended Eisenhower High School and was on the wrestling team and was awarded a wrestling scholarship. Unfortunately, he broke his leg in a jeeping accident, and he lost his college scholarship. There was talk that he was approached to be a WWF wrestler in the 60s. James was a dedicated employee and worked many long hours to provide for his family. He worked for Kenderick Truck Stop that was on the corner of Nob Hill and First Street; Tire Sales and Service. He later worked in Afognak, Alaska, at a logging camp for many years, leaving behind his wife and family. His son, Jason, joined his dad at the logging camp after his high school graduation in 1987. James worked on Afognak, until he was airlifted out, after a truck rolled over both of his feet and crushed the bones. The doctor did not expect him to ever walk. A man of determination and a high tolerance for pain, surprised many and not only walked, but worked in construction for JEI Masonry for many more years until he retired. You learned to stay away from him in the winter when his feet got cold and painful. James met the love of his life, Karen Carlson. She found she would not be able to escape him, so James and Karen married on October 26, 1963. They enjoyed doing many things together such as hunting, clam digging at the beach, and gardening. Karen joined James at the man-camp logging camp for a summer. In the later years they would take drives to Bickleton for lunch with his hunting buddies, out to breakfast several times a week, and just take a drive to see what was going on, and once in a while, he would join in the yard sales. In the last couple of years, he could be found in Tampico falling trees and cutting wood. He was a good, dependable, and loyal friend. He offered to help many with whatever projects they had going on. He was very observant and would see things that a common person may not notice, one time as he was driving home, he noticed a neighbor on the ground next to her car, he turned around to investigate and determined she had a heart attack, performed CPR, and saved her life. He was recognized by the Red Cross at a Life Saver Award Banquet in 2011. He was not a man to be trifled with. If he said it, he meant it. He could be harsh, and he could be tender hearted. He gave of himself to many people and would rebuff offers of help from others. He was a cross between a Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry character and a John Wayne character. He was a mans man. He stood at 62" and had steely blue eyes and was all muscle. He was a man that they dont make too many of anymore. He was so manly that he would hold his wifes purse while she looked around at the yard sales! He knew many people from his tire service days up and down the valley. He was a gatherer of information and stories. A true hunter in every sense of the word. Anyone that met James "Jim" Dykes would remember him as he made an impression. He had many stories to tell, and family and friends have many stories to tell of his life. He was unforgettable. He will be greatly missed. On October 26, 2023, James and Karen celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and a few friends. It meant a lot to him to have reached that milestone. In the last month he was reminiscing about Karen and their dating days. It was twelve days later that he would leave us. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen Dykes, his children, Kimberlee Greenslade, John Dykes (Ellen), Jason Dykes (Lora), his grandson, Ryan Dykes and his soon-to-be step-grandson, Zachary Allmendinger. His great-grandchildren, Alexus Pell, Asher Pell, and Kapri Ryan, his siblings, Larry Stapleton (Trudy), Marlene and Darlene (twin sisters), Ruth Pickett (Leonard). He is also survived by his long-time friend, Mike Kenderick, his coffee/breakfast buddies, and longtime hunting friend and like a son, Todd Skyles and family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard Dykes, and Hazel Dykes, and his granddaughter, Morgan Greenslade. At his request there will be no service. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com