James Aubrey Dickson, Jr., 91, died peacefully on April 26, 2013. A native son of Beaumont, he was born on March 28, 1922, to Ethel Steinman Dickson and James Aubrey Dickson, Sr.
He, like many of his generation, grew up during the depression. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1939 and went on to attend Rice University until the United States entered World War II in December 1941. Mr. Dickson interrupted his studies to join the United States Army Air Corps as a flight instructor. After the war he enrolled at Texas A&M University, taking advantage of the GI Bill, and earned a double degree in mechanical and electrical engineering. He partnered with his brother, Bill Dickson, forming an architectural and engineering design firm.
Mr. Dickson was a good athlete, participating in a softball league with other young businessmen and playing tennis well into his 60's. In October 1953, Aubrey married Rowena Belle Vivion and together they had two children, Bess and Jim. In November of 1974, Aubrey married a widow, Betty Dishman Evans, adding seven children to the family.
Mr. Dickson is survived by his children, Bess Dickson Dougher and her husband, Pat; James “Jim” Monroe Dickson; Diane Mosier; Nancy Beyer; Susan Jabbusch; Mark Evans; and Paula Mandaglio; eight grandchildren, including Brian Dougher and his wife, Randi, and Bradley Dougher; great-grandchild; Evelyn; wife of his late brother Bill Dickson, Marie Maschek Dickson; nephew, Richard Dickson; and nieces, Carole Handley and Grace Dickson.
A funeral service for Mr. Dickson will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 29, 2013, at the Dishman Chapel, Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
