Jimmie Odell Dillingham
December 19, 1940 ~ February 22, 2026
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailJimmie Odell Dillingham, 85, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Elizabeth House.
A native of Buncombe Co., Jimmie was the son of the late Locke and Ruby Banks Dillingham. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Ila Meadows, Velda Wilson, Pat Carter, Wanda Anders, and Brenda Rash; and brother, Claye Dillingham.
Jimmie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966. He later owned and operated Dubberly’s Brake and Alignment, Pine St., Hendersonville, from 1976 to 2001. He was also a member of Lake Hills Church. Mr. Jimmie loved his family, all people, and Jesus, whom he served faithfully.
He is survived by his wife, Miriam Dubberly Dillingham, to whom he was a loving and faithful husband for 60 years; daughter, Paula Dillingham; sons, Duane Dillingham (Tina) and James Dillingham (Monica); grandchildren, Lauren Sword (Joe), Stephen Neill, Bri Campbell, Heather Looper (Drake), Kayla Praytor (Justin), Kendra Westbrock (Will) and Casey Dillingham; and great-grandchildren, Addysen, Easten and Kolsen Neill, Chloe and Carson Sword, Dawson and Beau Looper, and two great-grandbabies on the way in March and August.
His family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, February 27, also at the funeral home. Dr. David Bruce will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will then take place at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Black Mountain.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, P.O. Box 909, Asheville, NC 28802.
Services
Visitation: February 26, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Service: February 27, 2026 12:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Burial: February 27, 2026 2:00 pm
Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery
962 Old US Hwy 70
Black Mountain, NC 28711
(919) 664-1195
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My thoughts and prayers are with the Dillingham Family.
Sweet, sweet Jimmy. Miriam & family. We are so sorry to hear about Jimmy. It’s a blessing to know he is present with the Lord, and you all will see him again. We love you all, and will be praying for the days ahead.
Our sincere condolences to the Dillingham family.
I’ll always remember when we first came to Lake Hills Church and Jimmy was the first person to come up to me with a huge welcoming smile and firm handshake.
Well done good and faithful servant.
We’ll see you soon.
Bill Taylor and family
Condolences to all the Dillingham family and especially Miriam.
The Dillingham Family is in our prayers
during this time!
So sorry for your loss you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kari always thought alot of Jimmie and enjoyed talking with him.
Our love and prayers for Miriam and family. So sorry to hear this. Jimmy was a very special man.
So sorry to hear of Uncle Jimmies passing. I’m sorry I will not be able to attend his services but I send my love and prayers to you and your family Aunt Miriam.
Love to all,
Janet
So sorry for your loss!
Thinking of you, Miriam and family. What a blessing to know where Jimmie is, and knowing you will see him again. Love and prayers.
Duane and family sorry to hear this. I know it’s hard to give up your Dad. He will surely be missed not only by his family but by all that knew him. Kenny Reed
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Dillingham family. May our Lord and Savior comfort you during this time.
He used to fix everything for Lance Lumber Co. I hope there are cars and engines to work on in heaven. Peace.
The loss of a father is a chapter in the pages of our life we must write. Write of the fun and growing times that are there. Men can be a father but few can be DAD’S.
I know his son Dwayne real good guy hate for the loss
We had come to know Jimmie on a very personal level since our move to North Carolina. What
a kind and genuine man. He always made my family welcome with his humor and humbleness.
Jimmie and Rocky are one of our fondest memories. Our condolences to Miriam and the entire
Dillingham family.
I remember Jimmy’s kindness and big smile when we were on a week long Mission trip many years ago down to Macon GA after tornadoes ripped through there. We had a great time helping people in Jesus name. I had not seen him in many years, but now have the privilege of being friends with his son James at work. I am praying for your family and am blessed to have known Jimmy years ago.