James "Jim" Russell Dickens, Sr., age 88, of Rocky Mount, passed away Friday, August 18, 2017. Jim was born on March 13, 1929 in Roanoke Rapids. His parents were the late Cleveland Shepard and Catherine Blythe Dickens.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alice King Mullis Dickens, his sisters Frances Dickens Hursey and Doris Anne Dickens Shaw and brother Cleveland Shepard "Tommy" Dickens, Jr.

He is survived by his children Carol Dickens Barker and husband Andy of Elm City; James Russell (Rusty) Dickens, Jr. of Rocky Mount; and Mary Alice (Missy) Dickens Pair and husband Grant of Raleigh; and one grandchild.

Services will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 11 a.m. at West Haven Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mount with Pastor Sam Codington officiating. The family will receive visitors at the home after the service. A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, August 21, 2017 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Dickens home in Rocky Mount.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Salvation Army of Nash and Edgecombe Counties, West Haven Presbyterian Church, or Nash Healthcare Hospice.

Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Rocky Mount.