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. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site:
08/31/2024
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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