Cover photo for James S Dilts's Obituary
James S Dilts Profile Photo
1969 James 2008

James S Dilts

December 3, 1969 — February 24, 2008

AUSTINTOWN- This week we say good bye to a man whose heart was filled with love for one woman, three girls, family, friends, Indians baseball, Brown's football, Cavalier's Basketball, the Indianapolis 500, and Hiram College. My name is Stephanie Dilts and I was the lucky woman who won his love. Dear Jim, When we met, I was a very cautious woman, and although you didn't have me at hello, you had me very soon thereafter. You were everything I ever hoped for. You were strong, handsome, intelligent, funny, witty, gentle, and so romantic. You swept me off my feet and fixed something inside my heart that was broken. We made a great team raising our girls. You gave them love, discipline, encouragement, and you dared them to achieve more than they set out to. I can't wait to see who they become and how they will make you proud. During our life together, I was only ever frustrated by one main thing. I had to share you with your enthusiasm for so many people and things. I now understand that you were only trying to fit it all in. I also know that as I am engulfed in this surreal painful moment, there will be events in the coming months that just won't feel the same for others. There will be a trip to the Indy 500 without the man in the goofy pink and white stripped hat. There will be a softball season short one player. There will be an Indians season minus one fan willing them on to the World Series, and my living room won't be the same next fall without your beloved commentary on your ever short falling Browns. To all of your friends affected by those moments, I am truly sorry. Jim, thank you for making me a part of your family. Your mom is a wonderful grandmother and someone I feel blessed to have developed a close relationship with. Your sister and brother along with their families are all extraordinary people whose support and friendship I cherish. Your network of aunts, uncles, and cousins is amazing. I am so glad you made me a Dilts so that our children and I could be a part of all of this. Thank you for becoming a part of my family. My mom and dad loved you and over time even began to understand your antics and humor. My sister and brother respect your opinions and I know they will miss your listening ear and simple yet wise solutions to the problems of being young. Thank you for being such a good man in every facet of your life. I am over-whelmed by the relationships you have created all across this country through your career with Firestone. You were only 38 years old and you managed to find your niche and do it well Not all men of your age can say that. So as I say good bye this week I make you this promise. I will do my best to raise our girls up to be happy and confident just as we would have done together. I will continue to be the person you wanted to have on your arm. And, I will be longing to be with you again. You are the man of my dreamsa place I hope you will visit as often as you can. Until we see each other again, get caught up on those missed games of catch with your dad, tell him I said hello, and KEEP SMILING. I will love you forever I will like you for always As long as I'm living, My true love you'll be. Love, Stephanie Bucky passed away Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 11:47PM in the Emergency Room of St. Elizabeth Medical Center after suffering a heart attack at home. Bucky was born December 3, 1969 in Youngstown the son of James R. and Marjorie L. (Collins) Dilts. Bucky graduated from Hiram College with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and was a member of the Phi Kappa Gamma Fraternity where he held office. Bucky was currently a Claims Examiner with Firestone in Akron. Bucky was a member of Western Reserve United Methodist Church in Canfield. Bucky is survived by his wife the former Stephanie E. Sledd, whom he married February 13, 1999; three daughters Samantha E., Allyson R., and Lillian M all at home; his mother of Austintown; father in law and mother in law John B. and Cornelia (Shulz) Sledd; Stephanie's grandmother Helga Shulz of Germany; a sister Carrie (Richard) Sammartino of Boardman; a brother Mark (Andrea) Dilts of Austintown; a brother in law Michael (Makenzie Brockmeyer) Sledd of St. Louis, MO; a sister in law Sarah (Kyle Wilmouth) Sledd of Austintown; a nephew Ricky Sammartino; three nieces Abbie Sammartino, Giavonna and Anastasia Dilts. Bucky was preceded in death by his father. Family will receive friends on Friday, February 29, 2008 from 4 until 9 PM in the Western Reserve United Methodist Church 4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406 and again on Saturday from 9AM until the hour of service. A Funeral Service celebrating the joys and smiles of Bucky's life will be held at 10AM Saturday at the church. Interment will follow in Lake Park Cemetery. Jim's legacy lives on with his Gift of Sight through eye donation. In lieu of flowers, The Firestone Co has set up a trust fund for Stephanie and the girls c/o The Dilts Family Trust C/o National City Bank 4949 Mahoning Ave, Austintown, OH 44515.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, February 29, 2008

4:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)

Western Reserve United Methodist Church

4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406

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Memorial Service in the Near Future

Saturday, March 1, 2008

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Western Reserve United Methodist Church

4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406

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Cemetery

Saturday, March 1, 2008

12:30 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Family Gathering

Saturday, March 1, 2008

1:00 - 2:30 pm (Eastern time)

Western Reserve United Methodist Church

4580 Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406

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