James Ernest Dixon Jr

James Earnest Dixon Jr., 81, of Hazel Park, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on July 10, 2026. 

Jim was born on September 22, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, to James and Elizabeth Dixon. He was proudly named after his father. He attended and graduated from Hazel Park Schools, served in the United States Air Force, and married the love of his life, Diane Osantowski, on September 22, 1983. Jim loved going to the casino and bowling with his wife.

 He enjoyed sharing cookies and milk with his daughter and never missed an opportunity to attend her sporting events. He loved spending time outdoors hunting with his father-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandson, and nephew. He enjoyed talking sports and teaching his son-in-law new things. He also loved traveling with his family, cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions, and had a special fondness for Elvis Presley and Goofy. He truly loved spending time with his grandpup, Kiko Martin. Above all else, Jim loved being with his family, especially his beloved wife. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Diane Dixon; his daughter, Stacy (Michael) Martin; his grandson, Robert (Diana) Osantowski; his great-grandsons, Blake, Rowen, and Hunter Osantowski; his brothers-in-law, Robert Osantowski, Gary (Joann) Osantowski, and Tony Osantowski; his sisters-in-law, Doreen Bright and Rose (Claude) Beaver; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth Dixon; his parents-in-law, Robert and Erma Osantowski; his brother, John Dixon; his sisters, Mary and Eleanor; his daughter, Elizabeth Osantowski; his son, James Dixon; and his brothers-in-law, Gary Bright, Andrew Osantowski, Jim (Theresa) Brecht, Gerald Osantowski, and Harry (Mary) Grifka. 

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.