DIXON JAMES H #2

LTC James "Jay" H. Dixon, Dr. was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 01/20/2012 at the age of 71.7 from Cancer
Gate City, VA
Flight Class 64-2W
Date of Birth 05/25/1940
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with A/501 AVN in 65, 273 HHC in 67-68, HHC/222 AVN in 68, 12 AVN GP in 68
Call signs in Vietnam FIREBIRD, SUPERHOOK, REBEL
This information was provided by Alan T. Ellison

More detail on this person: GATE CITY, Va.- James H. "Jay" Dixon. 71, son the late Marjorie L. (Bond) and James Howard Dixon went home to the Lord on January 20, 2012.

Jay Dixon has led an extraordinary life.

Dixon was born and raised in Nickelsville, Va. where his father owned and operated the Bush Mill which had been in the family for three generations. As a child, Dixon worked around the mill loading flour sacks and securing them with Miller's knots.

When he was 18, Dixon dropped out of Lynn View High School and joined the Army. At the time, he said "school didn't interest me." A statement that is hard to believe today from a man who went on to earn his GED, an engineering degree and master's degree in political science from Auburn University, and a Ph.D. in international relations and quantitative methods from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Starting with basic training at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina in 1958, Dixon worked his way up the military ladder, retiring after 23 years of service with the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his military career, Dixon served in the 44th Construction Battalion in Korea, was a member and instructor for Special Forces, and a warrant officer aviator flying missions in Vietnam.

Jay Dixon was a Green Beret instructor at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and helicopter pilot, in Vietnam. He was a faculty member of the United States Military Academy in West Point and the National War College in Washington D.C. He has received numerous awards including: Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medal, seven Air Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and Ranger Tab.

After a successful career in the military, Jay served as a consultant to civil and defense government agencies, as a military strategist and information systems designer.

Dixon recently published a novel, his sixth book, "The Secret War," that draws heavily upon his experiences in Southeast Asia.

Dixon spent several years working with "special access programs" for national defense. While working in Washington, Dixon met his wife, Carol Walcoff Dixon. Jay and Carol were married in 1993. The couple moved back to Gate City, Va. The couple formed the Southwest Virginia Community Foundation and started work on several Southwest Virginia projects, including renovation of the Bush mill, Gate City Performing Arts Center, Clinch Mountain Arts & Crafts, and the Clinch Mountain MusicFest.

Despite all of his accomplishments, including being a renowned musician, Dixon was an extremely humble man. "The most enjoyable time of my life has been spent here in Southwest Virginia_. It has been a joy."

Jay Dixon is survived by his loving wife Carol Dixon; Two sisters: Mary E. Isaacs and Florence E. Thompson; brother-in-law, George Isaacs. Five children: Kimberly A. Thompson, Theresa L. Seal, James W. Dixon, Eugene D. Dixon, Janie R. Reinhard; Ten Grandchildren: Austin J, Salazar, Ashley R. Nelson, Amber B. Hall, Devon B. Seal, Hailey A. Seal, Angela M. Reinhard, Jesse Dixon, Caleb Dixon; Two Step-Grandchildren: Jessica L Kitchen, Hanna M. Glasson; Great Grandchildren: Paige M. Nelson, William A. Nelson, Forest K. Nelson, Liam C.J. Salazar, Abigal D. Kitchen, Conner M. Kitchen, Alexander L. Glasson, James M. Glasson, Daryl J. Hall, & Evin K. Hall: Cousins, Uncles, Aunts, Nieces, Nephews, and friends.

Jay's family sincerely thanks UVA and Duke hospital staff and Wellmont Hospice for their care and attention. Scott County Funeral Home in Weber City, VA is proud to be serving the Dixon family. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. (viewing at 5:00 p.m.). A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Holston Valley Cemetery in Weber City, VA. Friends and family are welcome to attend the celebration of Jay Dixon's life at the Estlleville Bed & Breakfast in Gate City, VA. after the burial service.

James H. Dixon went by the nickname Jay after he remarried. We were close friends in recent years and had been class mates in 64-2W, he being the class president. He was a real success story as his obituary makes clear. He had turned author just before he died he published his first book "The Secret War" ISBN number is 978-1-4620-5765-8 published by IUniverse Inc. He served two tours in VN with his second tour flying Cranes.

From: Alan T. Ellison, 64-2W, 7th Airlift Platoon Fangs, Danang VN 64/65

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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