James M. Dion

James M. Dion, 84 of Franklin, retired Captain of Franklin Fire Dept., passed into eternity on Oct. 1, 2017. He was born in Franklin on March 3, 1933 the eighth of nine children of Hector and Eva (Geroux) Dion. Jim was a lifetime Franklin resident and attended local schools. He joined the National Guard in 1950 and joined the US Navy in June 1951. Jim served aboard the USS Jack Wilke, the USS Kenneth D. Bailey, and the USS Van Valkenburgh (DD-656), part of Task Force 77 in and around Japan. Several years ago he worked at Prescott Oil, Webster Valve, and Young Funeral Home, as well as other various jobs. He began his service as a firefighter in the Franklin Fire Dept. in 1967 as a sub with Engine Co. #1. Jim was promoted to driver in 1968 and to Captain on Aug. 16, 1974. He retired in Dec. 1988. Jim was a well-liked and respected firefighter over his long career. Jim was a founder and co-advisor of the Franklin Explorer Program in 1975 serving as advisor for several years. Many of those under his advisorship continued to become firefighters, captains, deputy chiefs, and chiefs. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his family and friends for many years. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and especially hunting. He was the oldest member of the Combat Veterans and a life member of Franklin VFW Post 1698. Family members include his wife of 60 years, Ethel (Churas) Dion of Franklin, 5 sons: Douglas Dion and fiancé Cheryl Wyman and William Dion and girlfriend Marie Benoit, all of Franklin, Richard Dion and wife Traci of Belmont, and twin sons Robert Dion and wife Tammi of Sanbornton and Ronald Dion and girlfriend Nicole Cooper of Franklin, 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings: George "Pete" Dion, Maurice A. Dion, Sr., Lawrence "Joe" Dion, Arnold Dion, Arline Conner, Sr. Madeline Dion, Grace Jewell, and Doris Carignan. Visiting hours will be held at Thibault-Neun Funeral Home, 143 Franklin St., on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 from 6-8 pm. A Mass celebrating Jim's life will be held at St. Paul Church, 110 School St., Franklin on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017 at 10 am. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin Fire Dept., 59 West Bow St., Franklin, NH 03235.For a virtual guestbook, please visit www.neunfuneralhomes.com

James M. Dion

March 3, 1933 - October 1, 2017