Mr. James McDuff Dillon, 95, of Lexington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the home of his daughter, Cynthia, in Blowing Rock.

Jim was born on January 9, 1931, in Lexington to the late Zeb Vance Dillon and Sybil Lopp Dillon. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he returned to Lexington to build and grow the family business, Edgewood Apparel, originally founded by his father.

An active and dedicated community leader, Jim gave generously of both his time and resources. He was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club since 1961, as well as numerous other civic organizations. Among his favorite charitable causes were the YMCA, Kamp Kiwanis, the Lexington Area Community Foundation, the Blue Ridge Conservancy, and Hospice of Davidson County.

Jim possessed a lifelong devotion to health, fitness, and adventure. A runner into his 70s and an avid skier into his 80s, he remained dedicated to daily walks and workouts well into his 90s. He shared his love of golf, hiking, running, and skiing with a cherished group of friends, traveling across the country and abroad on active adventures. Alongside his physical drive, Jim kept his mind sharp as a keen businessman and active stock investor.

His ultimate happy place was his cabin on High Rock Lake, where he delighted in boating, water skiing, sailing, and riding his tractor, "Putt Putt." Above all else, Jim would say his biggest accomplishment was his daughter Cynthia, whom he loved dearly.

Jim was one of three siblings and was preceded in death by his sisters, Isabel Dillon Sherrill and Bettye Dillon Gray, all of whom lived longevity-filled lives into their 90s and 100s.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Dillon, and her husband, Marc Chabot, of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. He is also survived by his nephews, Clayton "Corky" Gray III (Pam) and Zeb Dillon Gray (Janet); his nieces, Betsy King (Frank) and Julia Laws; and his great-nieces, Mary Fletcher Sherrill King, Sallie Haywood King Bosserman, Jennifer Gray, and Ann McLain.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, North Carolina, where Jim was a faithful member. The Reverend Kirk Tutterow will officiate. A private burial will take place at Lexington City Cemetery.

Following the service, the family will receive friends to share stories and raise a toast in celebration of Jim’s vibrant life from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Holt House in Lexington, North Carolina.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to the staff at Piedmont Commons in Thomasville and Amorem Hospice of Boone for their compassionate care for Mr. Jim.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Lexington Area Community Foundation or Jim Dillon Youth Center at the J. Smith Young YMCA

Condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net