James (Jim) F. Dick Sr. :   Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather

James (Jim) F. Dick Sr., formerly of Richburg, New York residing at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wellsville since December 2021, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Jim was born February 27, 1931, in Richburg, New York to the late J. Frederick and Thelma “Skip” (Glover) Dick.  He graduated from Richburg Central School and married his high school sweetheart, Carol Cole November 5, 1949, in the Richburg Parsonage.  Jim and Carol founded Sunny Hill Campsite in Richburg, New York and for 47 years, owned and operated the private, family-owned business. During those years, he was blessed with two sons, James Jr. and Steven Douglas.

Jim spent 32 years at Dresser-Clark/Clark Brothers in Olean retiring in 1988.  As a second shift supervisor in the repair center, Jim developed many relationships that lasted for years.  Many stories are still told of his adventures portraying Santa Claus for company Christmas parties.  His coworkers gave Jim the nickname “Bigfoot” as he was seen as a stern, yet fair, supervisor.  After his retirement in 1988, Jim focused on the development and day to day responsibilities at Sunny Hill, while also spending some early mornings and late afternoons as a substitute school bus driver for the Richburg Central School system.  He continued driving school bus for years even after the merger of the Bolivar and Richburg School districts in 1994.

Jim was often found driving around Sunny Hill in one of his Chevy pickup trucks with his trusted golden retriever companion, Rusty, sitting in the passenger seat.  As a lover of the outdoors, Jim had no challenge keeping busy mowing the acreage of open fields, maintaining the property, repairing any and all machinery, or giving fun afternoon hayrides to children (and adults!) at Sunny Hill.  Christmas in July, Saturday Night Bingo, Square Dancing, the Fourth of July Celebrations, and Potluck Dinners were just apart of what Jim and Carol provided to the Sunny Hill community.  After the day’s festivities, Jim and his bride along with their dog would be found around the campfire conversing with their current and future camper community friends. It often included sipping on one of those famous Sunny Hill Manhattans.

It was rare for Jim to be indoors for any length of time, as he had an appreciation of wildlife. He could be found taking pictures of birds, deer, turkey, fish and even bear.  In fact, later in Jim’s life he decided to lock a bear searching for food in one of his sheds to discipline it! He was especially appreciative of the local deer population and likely helped to grow the herds as he would spread corn for them at least once, if not twice a day. One could watch the deer follow his red truck and literally eat the corn right out of his hand.

Jim adored Carol and were often found side by side for nearly 74 years of marriage they cherished together. It was a common occurrence for him to bring a gift home to her from his work commute Furthermore, every ten years of their marriage Jim would purchase a new wedding ring set for Carol.  Together, they joined the Good Sam Club and were fortunate to have traveled many places with their family and extended family ‘camping friends.’  Countless miles were traveled in the Bounder motorhome.

Jim was also a member of the Richburg Rod & Gun Club for many years and even helped to construct the pond that is part of the Rod & Gun Club today.  Jim was a lover of music and even in his last moments, Kenny Rogers could be heard on the radio that was sitting on the bedside stand.

Jim is survived by a son, Steven (Georgia – “Sam”) Dick of Richburg; four grandchildren: Tracy (Andrew)Martorana of LeRoy, New York; David James (Kelli) Dick of Cuba, New York; Jason Frederick (Cassondra) Dick of West Clarksville, New York; and Jennifer Marie Dick (Mark Charrette) of Petersburg, New York and three great grandchildren: Paige Webb of LeRoy, New York and Cason and Treyson Dick of West Clarksville, New York. Jim is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Cole of Richburg, New York; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Dick of Wellsville, New York; a niece, Carolyn Kellogg Jonas of Wellsville, New York; a nephew, Philip Kellogg of Ohio; and a great-niece, Caitlin Jonas of Wellsville, New York. 

Jim was predeceased by his wife of nearly 74 years, Carol Dick; his son, James F. Dick Jr; his father and mother, J. Frederick and Thelma (Skip) Dick; and a sister, Melony Jean James.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 14 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc., 554 South Main St., Bolivar, New York 14715.

A private family service will be held Saturday, February 15.  The Rev. Larry Allen will officiate.  Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your own choosing. 

Online condolences can be submitted to www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.