James Dickerson Obituary

James Ernest "Jimmy" Dickerson passed away at 2:00 AM on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, surrounded by family at the residence of his daughter, Lainie Dickerson Kidd. He was born October 25, 1941, in New Orleans, LA.
Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Tangipahoa Parish, having grown up on the Southeastern College dairy farm where his father worked. Jimmy joined the United States Marine Corps in 1960 and was honorably discharged after completing his service to our country. Upon returning home, he joined the Hammond Police Department in 1964. He retired from HPD at the rank of Captain with over 33 years of service.
During his career with HPD, he continued to serve his country in the US Army Reserve, first with the 433rd Military Police Company in Hammond, and later serving in the 4073rd Army Reception Battalion in Lafayette. Jimmy retired from the Army Reserve as First Sergeant with over 27 years of service. He was privileged to make many lifetime friends in both units.
In 2004, Jimmy joined the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office to work as a deputy bailiff in the 21st Judicial District Court in Amite. He served the community in this role for 16 years before retiring at age 78.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Ethel Vale Dickerson, and brother Harvey Dickerson, and his mother-in-law Lillian S. Conner.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Jana Dickerson, his three daughters, Darla Gabbitas and husband Ian Gabbitas, Vicki Dickerson, and Lainie Kidd and husband Dr. R. Vincent Kidd III, and his grandchildren, Mark Eleser, Jan McGovern Galiano (Clint), Shannon Trippi Tabor (Dr. John "JJ"), James "Jimmy" McGovern (Kohl), Jonathan Eleser, Rhys Gabbitas, and Lillie Bratton. His two great grandsons, Dominic Eleser and Jensen James Tabor, complete "Pawpaw's" family. Jimmy is also survived by his brothers, Luther Jr. "Butch", John, Albert, Danny, Lazon "Lonnie", Ricky, and his sister Patsy Dickerson Smith.
To honor Jimmy's wishes, a celebration of his life is scheduled for Sunday, November 12, 2023, at the Hammond Police Union Hall from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.