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:
03/11/2023
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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