J.D. (Jimmy Don) Dickenson, left this earthly life to join his Lord and Savior, and his parents, September 10th. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith." He was born in 1941 to Jesse F. and Mildred Lisby Dickenson, in Fort Worth. He attended Fort Worth Public Schools and TCU. While in high school he worked with the Fort Worth Boys Club. He studied and received his Amateur Ham Radio License at the age of 15. His call letters were K5GTL(great Texas lover). This is a hobby he enjoyed all his life. He worked all zones and all 50 states.

He worked for American National Insurance in Fort Worth. In 1962 he met his forever girlfriend, who was Director of Children's Work at North Fort Worth Baptist Church. He and Johnnie Jo Sowell just celebrated their 63rd Wedding Anniversary. They lived 2 years in North Richland Hills. After several visits to Huntsville, he decided this was where he would like to live. He transferred to Huntsville with American General Insurance and had an office with Toby Gates. He later sold his insurance agency to pursue his hobby full time.

His hobby was photography, and he soon did freelance work for the Huntsville Item. In 1968 he graduated from the Harris County Sheriff's Academy. He served as photographer under Sheriff Darrell White taking pictures of accidents, shootings, drowning and other violent acts in Walker County. He worked for Attorneys doing video depositions and reconstruction of accident scenes. With the help of his wife he did weddings (this was not his favorite thing). He was also a photographer for the Huntsville Fire Department for many years.

He was a news reporter for KSAM for several years. He and Jack Nichols owned Radio Station KKNX from 1982 to 1984, where he served as news director. He served as a Process Server for Attorneys until his retirement.

He joined Forrest Masonic Lodge No 19 in 1969. This was his life's calling. He served in many stations and was elected Worshipful Master in 1973. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of District 28 in 1975. He held a Life Certificate for memory work from the Grand Lodge of Texas. He was honored with a Life Membership in Forrest Lodge No 19 in 1978. In 1996 he received the Golden Trowel Award, the highest honor of the Lodge. His most recent position was Lodge Secretary, for over 20 years. He conducted many Masonic Grave Site ceremonies. He compiled the history of the lodge from 1844 to 1994 and published it in book form. The JD Dickenson Scholarship, for a graduating high school senior, was established in his honor. This goes to a child or grandchild of a member of Forrest Lodge No 19. In February 2024 the Parlor at Forrest Lodge was named the JD and Johnnie Jo Dickenson Parlor which was a great honor to both of them.

He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church until he built their retirement home in the country and joined Northside Baptist Church.

He was a member of First Families of Washington County, Virginia and First Families of West Texas.

He was predeceased by his parents Jesse and Mildred Dickenson, sister Teresa Dickenson and two nephews Kelly Bates and Kevin Bates.

He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Jo Sowell Dickenson, brother Rick (Carrie) Dickenson of Saginaw; sister, Sharon Bates of North Fort Worth. He is also survived by one nephew and 2 nieces, numerous cousins and his beloved Masonic Brothers. He is also survived by his "special children" Joe Beck of Riverton, WY; Jeri Beck of Birmingham, AL and Zach Beck of Lafayette, LA.

Graveside services will be conducted by Forrest Masonic Lodge No 19 and Rev. Reagan Cooksey in Section 2, Oakwood Cemetery, on Tuesday, September 16 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of usual remembrances please donate to: JD Dickenson Scholarship Fund, Forrest Lodge No 19, P. O. Box 1004, Huntsville TX 77342-1004.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at River Pointe of Trinity Healthcare & Rehabilitation and the doctor and staff with Gentiva Hospice for their care.

Click HERE to donate $50.00 to the scholarship fund.

Click HERE to donate $100.00 to the scholarship fund.