James “Jim” Lee Dillehay

DURHAM James Lee “Jim” Dillehay, 57, a lifelong resident of Durham, died on Monday, July 28, 2014, after an extended illness.
Jim was born to the late Robert Lee Dillehay and Mary Lee Matthews Dillehay. He was a 1975 graduate of Durham High School. He worked for NC Mutual Drug Company for several years and also for Nortel. Jim spent the majority of his career as a Service Manager at Healthcare Equipment Company, until his illness forced him to retire.
Jim was an avid fan of NASCAR and of his favorite driver Richard Petty. He was a passionate fan of the Washington Redskins, and enjoyed attending several games over the course of his life. He also loved a good hand of poker, beach trips and holiday gatherings of the extended family.
Jim is survived by his wife, Robin Fisher Dillehay; sons, Bryan Keith Dillehay and wife, Robin Martin Dillehay, and Matthew Rober Dillehay and partner, Chelsea Bennett; and aunt, Juanita Dillehay Pendergraft. He is also survived by his step-children, Brian Scott Lewis and wife, Heather Roberts Lewis of Creedmoor, and Holly Brooke Lewis Sanseverino and husband, Chris of Durham.
Jim was a very proud Papa to his grandsons and “little buddies” Cole Michael Lewis, Beckett Scott Sanseverino and Myles Keegan Sanseverino. They loved playing in Papa’s Garage, and riding around with Papa on his golf cart.
Jim is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Bonita Fisher Roemmich and husband, Richard of Efland and Lori Fisher Leeds and husband, David of Durham; and a brother-in-law, Kelly Thornburg of Durham, and his mother-in-law, Billie Thornburg of Durham.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Chapel. Rev. Morris Westbrook will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Hilliard, Randy Roycroft, Tim Thomas, Buddy Owen, David Maynard and Tom Austin.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the many friends and extended families for their support and many kindnesses during Jim’s illness. Your love and your prayers have been and will continue to be our anchors as we mourn the loss of our beloved husband, father and Papa.
Flowers are acceptable. Memorial contributions to the family to assist with Jim’s final expenses are also acceptable to Robin F. Dillehay, 2814 Redwood Road, Durham, NC 27704.