DELAVAN – James “Jim” R. Dillner, age 84, of Delavan passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at home in Delavan. He was born on September 22, 1941 in Chicago to Raymond and Luella (Bergman) Dillner. Jim was united in marriage to Carol Schleiger on December 23, 1968. He taught for 35 years as a Tech Teacher at DDHS and was a bartender at Gage Marine Cruiseline for 37 years. Jim loved working with his hands and sharing his creations through his copper Christmas ornaments and various projects for family and friends. He loved fishing, golfing, the lake, being outdoors, and the UP of Michigan where he vacationed since he was a teenager. Jim never said no to desserts and was stubborn to a fault. He was always working on his “Honey Do” list. Jim loved spending time with his family and found so much joy having his grandchildren close and cheering on all their accomplishments.
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol; his children, Scott Matthew (Cheryl) Dillner, and Tricia Lynn Fletcher; grandchildren, Tyler, Michaela, Addison, and Braelyn; brothers, Tom (Irene) Dillner, and Robert Dillner; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael James Dillner; his beloved in-laws, Jesse and Marcella Schleiger; son-in-law, Matthew Fletcher; brother-in-law, Jesse Schleiger Jr.
Memorial Services will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Millard Community Covenant Church, N6713 County Road O in Elkhorn. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the funeral on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the DDSD Foundation (please note as James and Michael Dillner Memorial Scholarship) or Millard Community Covenant Church.
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