James Ernest “Jimmy” Dickerson passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, surrounded by family at the residence of his daughter, Lainie Dickerson Kidd. He was born October 25, 1941, in New Orleans, LA. Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Tangipahoa Parish, having grown up on the Southeastern College dairy farm where his father worked. Jimmy joined the United States Marine Corps in 1960 and was honorably discharged after completing his service to our country. He joined the Hammond Police Department in 1964 and retired with the rank of Captain after over 33 years of service. During his career with HPD, he continued to serve his country in the US Army Reserve, first with the 433rd Military Police Company in Hammond and later in the 4073rd Army Reception Battalion in Lafayette. Jimmy retired from the Army Reserve as First Sergeant with over 27 years of service. In 2004, Jimmy joined the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office to work as a deputy bailiff in the 21st Judicial District Court in Amite. He served the community in this role for sixteen years before retiring at 78.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Ethel Vale Dickerson; brother, Harvey Dickerson; and mother-in-law, Lillian S. Conner. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Jana Dickerson; three daughters, Darla Gabbitas (Ian Gabbitas), Vicki Dickerson, and Lainie Kidd (Dr. R. Vincent Kidd III); grandchildren, Mark Eleser, Jan McGovern Galiano (Clint), Shannon Trippi Tabor (Dr. John “JJ”), James “Jimmy” McGovern (Kohl), Jonathan Eleser, Rhys Gabbitas, and Lillie Bratton; brothers, Luther Jr. “Butch,” John, Albert, Danny, Lazon “Lonnie”, Ricky; and sister, Patsy Dickerson Smith. His two greatgrandsons, Dominic Eleser and Jensen James Tabor, complete “Pawpaw’s” family.