James S. Dillon, 91

In Loving Memory of Jim Dillon

James (Jim) Dillon departed this life on January 9th. He was a great husband, father, and friend to many. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Alisa; children: Laurie (Jeff), Gail (Steve), Marla (Booker), Lynnette (Dale), and Brian (Jen); 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He felt blessed to have such a large and loving family.

Jim’s life began and ended in Gig Harbor. His journey through life was full of joy and adventure. After graduating high school, Jim joined the Army and served in Europe just after WWII. Upon returning home to Gig Harbor, he started his 36-year career at Peninsula Light Company, serving as a Journeyman Lineman, Foreman, and rising to Operations Supervisor, which was a source of pride for him. He was a third-generation employee of Peninsula Light, following in the footsteps of his mother and grandmother, who had worked at PLC before him. After retiring from PLC, Jim decided to go back to work, taking a Project Inspector position at Petelco for eight years before retiring fully from the industry.

Jim’s passions outside of work were his family, boating, fishing, driving his Corvette, and traveling North America.

Boating for Jim wasn’t just a day out on the waters of the Puget Sound, but a lifestyle. He lived aboard his boats, the Alaska Hunter and Pacific Dream. He was also a competitive and avid Predictive Log Racer, where knowledge of the tides, waypoints of the Puget Sound, and your vessel played a pivotal role in success, with multiple trophies and plaques to show for it. As a longtime member of the Gig Harbor Yacht Club (28 years), he had the honor of serving as Commodore in 1997. His Commodore group the “Grizzlies” still remain friends and meet once a year.

Once retired and moving away from boating, Jim and Alisa took their adventurous spirit to the road, buying a motorhome to travel all 48 states, Alaska, and the Canadian Maritime Provinces, all while meeting new and lifelong friends.

In Jim’s later years, after adventuring North America, he discovered a passion for Corvettes. Jim and Alisa’s first Corvette was a 1984 C4 that brought multiple awards from the car shows they attended. In Jim’s need to always have a challenge, they sold that Corvette and bought a 2000 C5 convertible, which again garnered countless awards. Outside of going to car shows and competitions, Jim and Alisa hit the road for many adventures with their Corvette club, CGCC of Tacoma, WA, making long-lasting friendships.

While Jim’s love for Gig Harbor never subsided, the cold and rainy months of Washington gave way to spending winters in Surprise, AZ, over the last nine years. He enjoyed golfing and fun in the sun with Alisa and friends.

We will be holding a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 31st, 2026, at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please join us to celebrate Jim.

Jim will be loved and missed forever.

In Lieu of Flowers:
In his last days, Jim was given a beautiful American flag quilt that was made for veterans by American Hero Quilts of Vashon Island, WA. We ask that donations be made to them, please.

American Hero Quilts
6716 SW Maury Park Road
Vashon Island, WA 98070

Website- Americanheroquilts.com

Or: In memory of Jim’s love for cats, donate to a pet shelter of your choice.