James Dykes Obituary

James D. Dykes, father, husband, and friend, passed away in the early morning of December 27th after a prolonged illness. "Big Jim", as he was known to his friends, was born on November 22, 1932 to Claude and Ina Dykes of Bloomington Illinois. Jim and his wife Helen moved to Colorado Springs in 1983.

After high school, Jim joined the US Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. He later served with the Merchant Marine, traveling the world to exotic locations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Later in life he continued his education, receiving both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Safety and Industrial Technology from Illinois State University.

Jim had wide and varied interests. He maintained a private pilot's license for much of his life, was an outstanding guitar player, and owned several businesses throughout his professional career. He is best known professionally as a Safety Engineer, working in the early days of food safety and was actively involved with the US Department of Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Administration shortly after its establishment.

Jim leaves behind a loving and devoted family; wife of 56 years Helen Dykes, daughters Lisa (Colorado Springs, CO) and Laura (Austin, TX), son Kelly (deceased), and grandson Elliott Grose (Reno, NV). He also had a wide and active group of friends all over the country with whom he kept in touch with over many years. Jim was especially fond on his dog Sassy and was a life-long lover of animals.

A service for Jim will be held at Memorial Gardens in Colorado Springs, CO on Wednesday, December 31 at 1pm. He will be interred there next to his son Kelly in the family plot. Family and friends are encouraged to attend and share remembrances and thoughts of Jim.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society, Pikes Peak Region.