James G. Dick, 75, of Utica, passed away on February 12th after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on April 11, 1939 in Mercer County, the son of Walter and Willavene (Miller) Dick. Jim was a lifelong resident of Venango County. He attended Franklin Area Schools and graduated in 1957 from Franklin High School. He married Audrey Kirwin on September 14, 1957, and she survives. Jim went to work at Franklin Steel in 1958 and worked in various production and supervisory jobs, including payroll supervisor. Following his retirement from Franklin Steel in 1994, he worked as the Accounting Manager for Jones Plumbing in Meadville, retiring from there in 2001.

Jim served as a 4-H leader for the Canal 4-H Club for 20 years and served as a volunteer with the Venango county 4-H Fair for many years. He was a Life Member of the Utica Volunteer Fire Company serving as Secretary, Fire Chief, and as Treasurer for 20 years. He also served on the Utica Borough Council and was Mayor of Utica for two terms.

During his later years of employment and in retirement, Jim enjoyed repairing and restoring Allis Chalmers Tractors, especially garden tractors. He was a long time member of the Pioneer Steam and Gas Engine Society.

Jim loved bluegrass music and shared that love with his wife and family. He was well known in the bluegrass circle and enjoyed playing guitar and singing songs with his wife and sons. He helped promote many bluegrass festivals throughout the area.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by three sons, James G. Dick, Jr. (Karen) of Cochranton, Steven Dick (Cindy) of Canonsburg, and Ronald Dick (Lynne) of Sandy Lake; and his son-in-law, Robert Mauk of Carlton.

Jim is additionally survived by his 10 grandchildren: Jenna (Dick) Reynolds and her husband, Timothy, of Cochranton, Adam and Travis Dick of Cochranton, Rhiannon (Mauk) Hunt and her husband, Archie, of North Carolina, Alesia Mauk of Carlton, Emily, Megan and Abbey Dick of Canonsburg, and Brenden and Shannon Dick of Sandy Lake; and his great-grandson, Austin James Reynolds, who was his “buddy” and shared his love of tractors.

He is also survived by his 2 sisters, Mary Jane Dailey of Cochranton and Barbara Livengood (Ersel) of Maryland; his brother, Gerald Dick (Patty) of Stoneboro; and his sister-in-law, Lynda Dick of Florida.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Mauk, who lost her battle with cancer on December 10, 2004; his brother, David Dick, his brother-in-law, Alan Dailey; and his step-father, Joseph Hasson.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the VNA Foundation — 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin PA 16323; the American Cancer Society — 2115 West 38th Street, Erie PA 16508; and/or the Utica Volunteer Fire Department — Utica PA 16362.

Family and friends of Jim will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin on Sunday, February 15th from 3 to 7 p.m. and also on Monday, February 16th from 2 to 3 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday at 3 p.m. following visitation with Rev. Randy Kightlinger, VNA Hospice Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Lupher Chapel Cemetery.

To send cards or online condolences, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.