Obituary for James J. Dhans Sr.
James J. Dhans, Sr., 89, of Midway, passed away on, Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in his home, with his loving family by his side.
James was born on March 12, 1933, in Primrose, a son of the late Harmel and Virgina (DeBlander) Dhans.
All throughout his life, James loved the outdoors. He never missed a hunting or fishing season and made sure to pass this love onto his kids and grandkids. James enjoyed taking his family out to fish and hunt and it always brought him so much joy to see them enjoying it as well. James loved the outdoors and really enjoyed spending his summers at Camp Eriez, where he could be near his daughter, Vicki and daughter-in-law, Tina. His camp became his little piece of Heaven. James spent as much time as he could there and loved every second of it. Being out in nature without the rush of the world surrounding him, was what he loved most.
Just like James never missed a season, he never missed playing the lottery. Mr. Dhans was up bright and early to play his numbers for the Powerball. His dedication and determination to win was fierce and his family is still hoping that those last few numbers he played before his passing are those lucky numbers.
James retired 26 years ago from Ben Construction as a truck driver. He made lifelong friendships that he still cherished to this day. After retirement, Mr. Dhans went to work again bartending every Sunday night for the Midway VFW, until he eventually retired from there. James loved seeing all his local friends, family and Navy brothers at the VFW. They enjoyed gabbing and carrying on about old times and the occasional drink. James was an honorably discharged Navy Veteran, serving in the Korean War. He was so proud of his service and serving his country that gave him so much. Along with belonging to the Midway VFW, James also belonged to the Teamsters Union 341.
Although all these things made up the very bright life of James Dhans, nothing completed him more than his family and his favorite four legged friends, Hunter, his beloved beagle and Harry his beloved cat. James and his wife, Eleanor, created and raised such a kind and loving family. As large as their family became, they never wavered in their love for each member. James cared for each and every member of his family in a unique and special way. His favorite roles in life, were that of husband, father, dad, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished the time with his family, every meal and every laugh they all shared together. All the dancing, meals at Golden Corral, all the hours of work on the house that they all shared together are memories that will last the Dhans family a lifetime.
Surviving is his loving wife of 66 and a half years, Eleanor (Miller) Dhans, children; Debbie Spotti, Vicki (Tina Hohn-Dhans) Dhans, Joseph (Melanie) Dhans and Michael (Amy) Dhans, grandchildren; Jason Dhans, Jessie (Valerie) Noble, Jessica (Tim) Berty, Dylan (Katie) Dhans, Garrett (girlfriend, Ashley Cunningham) Dhans, Riley Dhans, Paige (Mark) Kahlbaugh, Jr., Sierra Dhans, Shane (Ashlea) Dhans, and Josh (Faith) Delaney, great-grandchildren; James, Jaxson, Oaklynn, Oren, Paisley, Chloe, Dax, Micah, Amiyah and Aiden.
Along with his parents, James is preceded in death by his son, James J. Dhans, Jr., grandson, Joseph “Joey” Dhans, and siblings, Flora, Zack, Pearl, Lee, Herman “Speed”, Evelyn and a baby brother.
Friends and family will be received on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Thomas-Little Funeral Service, Inc., 106 St. John St., Midway (724-796-3301). A Service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Center Cemetery, Midway.
James was born on March 12, 1933, in Primrose, a son of the late Harmel and Virgina (DeBlander) Dhans.
All throughout his life, James loved the outdoors. He never missed a hunting or fishing season and made sure to pass this love onto his kids and grandkids. James enjoyed taking his family out to fish and hunt and it always brought him so much joy to see them enjoying it as well. James loved the outdoors and really enjoyed spending his summers at Camp Eriez, where he could be near his daughter, Vicki and daughter-in-law, Tina. His camp became his little piece of Heaven. James spent as much time as he could there and loved every second of it. Being out in nature without the rush of the world surrounding him, was what he loved most.
Just like James never missed a season, he never missed playing the lottery. Mr. Dhans was up bright and early to play his numbers for the Powerball. His dedication and determination to win was fierce and his family is still hoping that those last few numbers he played before his passing are those lucky numbers.
James retired 26 years ago from Ben Construction as a truck driver. He made lifelong friendships that he still cherished to this day. After retirement, Mr. Dhans went to work again bartending every Sunday night for the Midway VFW, until he eventually retired from there. James loved seeing all his local friends, family and Navy brothers at the VFW. They enjoyed gabbing and carrying on about old times and the occasional drink. James was an honorably discharged Navy Veteran, serving in the Korean War. He was so proud of his service and serving his country that gave him so much. Along with belonging to the Midway VFW, James also belonged to the Teamsters Union 341.
Although all these things made up the very bright life of James Dhans, nothing completed him more than his family and his favorite four legged friends, Hunter, his beloved beagle and Harry his beloved cat. James and his wife, Eleanor, created and raised such a kind and loving family. As large as their family became, they never wavered in their love for each member. James cared for each and every member of his family in a unique and special way. His favorite roles in life, were that of husband, father, dad, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished the time with his family, every meal and every laugh they all shared together. All the dancing, meals at Golden Corral, all the hours of work on the house that they all shared together are memories that will last the Dhans family a lifetime.
Surviving is his loving wife of 66 and a half years, Eleanor (Miller) Dhans, children; Debbie Spotti, Vicki (Tina Hohn-Dhans) Dhans, Joseph (Melanie) Dhans and Michael (Amy) Dhans, grandchildren; Jason Dhans, Jessie (Valerie) Noble, Jessica (Tim) Berty, Dylan (Katie) Dhans, Garrett (girlfriend, Ashley Cunningham) Dhans, Riley Dhans, Paige (Mark) Kahlbaugh, Jr., Sierra Dhans, Shane (Ashlea) Dhans, and Josh (Faith) Delaney, great-grandchildren; James, Jaxson, Oaklynn, Oren, Paisley, Chloe, Dax, Micah, Amiyah and Aiden.
Along with his parents, James is preceded in death by his son, James J. Dhans, Jr., grandson, Joseph “Joey” Dhans, and siblings, Flora, Zack, Pearl, Lee, Herman “Speed”, Evelyn and a baby brother.
Friends and family will be received on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Thomas-Little Funeral Service, Inc., 106 St. John St., Midway (724-796-3301). A Service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Center Cemetery, Midway.