WICOMICO CHURCH—James “Jim” Vinson Dale, 77, loving husband, role model to his family and dear friend to all who had the fortunate pleasure to know him, passed on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at his home following a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer.
He passed under the care of his wife, Sue Ann, and brother, Paul, at his side.
Born to parents William Vinson Dale and Nancy Louise Dale on November 28, 1941, in Shamokin, Pa., Jim grew up as an Army brat along with his three younger brothers. Jim attended the University of New Mexico, and then followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Army in 1961. Following his honorable discharge in 1967, Jim started a new life as a civilian where circumstances led him into a career that included retail lumber management, applied building technologies and general contracting.
He met his wife, Sue Ann, of Charleroi, Pa., at a mutual love at-first-sight encounter in Dover, Del. They married in Allentown, Pa., in 1972.
Jim and his wife founded Dale Construction and Structural Solutions in Colonial Heights, and later moved to the Northern Neck near Wicomico Church in 1996. Dale Construction served contracts locally, and as far away as Quantico, Alexandria and Hampton. Jim deeply loved his work as a respected contractor and was proud of his reputation.
Avid dog and cat lovers, he and Sue Ann have been active members of the Animal Welfare League where Jim was a member of the board of directors at the time of his passing.
Jim was also an avid runner up to the age of 75. A picture of health … he loved the water, sailing and sailboats, and mastered wind surfing on the Chesapeake Bay near their home.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sue Ann; three brothers and their spouses, Mike and Evie, Paul and Karen, and Mark and Lee Dale; and four nephews Mike, Chris, Stephen and Milan.
Jim’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Jim’s and Sue Ann’s friends and neighbors who have provided such caring support to them prior to and following Jim’s passing; and who will dearly miss him as much as the family does.
A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in honor of Jim may do so to The Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, PO Box 975, White Stone, VA 22578.
