Orfordville – Sanford James (Jim) Dickison passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Beloit Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 6, 1937, to Leo and Nina (Hanson) Dickison. He married Betty Khalar on September 8, 1962, at the First Methodist Church, Beloit, Wisconsin. Together they welcomed two children, Cynthia and Christopher.
Jim graduated from Orfordville High School in 1955. He enlisted in the United States Army and was called to active duty to serve with the 32nd Army Division during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. Jim worked at the Beloit Corporation for 40 years. Most of his career was in the Research Department as a model maker, crafting prototypes of paper making machinery, until he retired in January 2000. After retirement, his love for traveling took him and his wife, Betty, on wonderful trips. Together they traveled to Thailand, Tahiti, Israel, and many other countries including a day trip to Gambia. They explored China on three separate trips. They sailed to various locations around the world on several cruises. He also enjoyed roaming the U.S. and Canada with Betty in their Born Free RV. In 2007, he became a Winter Texan and created a wintertime home with Betty in the Mission, Texas, area.
Jim was a life-long member of the Orfordville Luther Church. He was also a member of the Beloit Corporation Quarter Center Club and Orfordville American Legion Post #209.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty; daughter, Cynthia (William) Brown; son, Christopher (Shannon) Dickison; grandchildren, Ashlie, Christopher, Heather, Justin, (Amanda); Jeremy (Katelynn), Joshua and Benjamin; great-grandchildren, Carter, Ivy, Liam, Beckham, Everett, and Juniper; sisters-in-law, Nancy and Mary Dickison and Emma (Jim) Von Der Vellen; God son, Kurt Von Der Vellen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, Frederick and David; uncle, Lawrence Hanson; father and mother-in-law, Albert and Emma Khalar; and AFS son, Luis Aponte.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Orfordville Lutheran church with Pastor Larry Froemming presiding. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 9:30 until the time of the service at the church.
Burial will be in the Orfordville Lutheran Cemetery.
Newcomer-Silverthorn Funeral & Cremation, www.newcomerfh.com