James Shirley Dickerson

James Shirley Dickerson, 86, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away on July 29, 2016. James was the first African American to work at Ehler's Dairy and became best friends with the owner, Mike Ehler. He retired from Contract Bus Service/JCPS and was a member of Forest Tabernacle Baptist Church. At the church he was the Treasurer, Trustee, Deacon, the Historian, President of the Brotherhood, member of the Senior and Pastor's choir, and was a Sunday School Teacher. James was a proud Army Veteran who served in the Korean War and received several medals. He played football for the Army team. James liked to go fishing, golfing, bowling, hunting, archery, and swimming. He was a father to all the neighborhood kids.

James was born on May 16, 1930, in Louisville, Kentucky to the late James Dickerson and Emma Skinner. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Moore Dickerson; brothers, Theodore and William Dickerson; and his great-aunt and great- uncle who raised him, Fannie and Joe Moore.

James is survived by his children, Sheila Smith (Steve), Shirley Wright, Gwendolyn "Carol" Watkins-El (Larry), James E. Dickerson, Yolanda Marie Dickerson, Kimberly Keller (Kevin), and Charlene Gilbert (Henry); 30 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Catherine Stallard, Darlene Powell, Betty Wilson (Charles), Rosetta Robinson, and Mary V. Mattingly (Jerome); special friend, Jerri Crawford; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, August 4th, 2016 at Forest Tabernacle Baptist Church (4205 East Indian Trail, Louisville, KY 40213). His Funeral Ceremony will be held Friday, August 5th, 2016 at 11:00 am at the church with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens (279 Landis Lane, Mount Washington, KY 40047).

Memorial contributions may be made to American Indian Children's Fund.

To leave a special message for the family, please click above on the "Share Memories" tab.