James P. J. Dalton

James P. J. Dalton, age 96, of Shelby, died Friday evening, January 1, 2021 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.

James was born July 5, 1924 in Galax, VA. Mr. Dalton began his service to our country by joining the United States Marine Corps at the young age of 17 just prior to World War II. When the war was over and some years had passed, he joined the United States Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, James began working for the railroad for several years until a layoff led him back to service where he enlisted with the United States Air Force. Mr. Dalton’s service to our country, under three of the four main branches of the United States Armed Forces, was sixteen years in total.

James spent most of his professional career at the Shelby Autocall Company, where he was a group leader, retiring in 1987. As a hobby, James thoroughly enjoyed gardening and, together with his late wife, Rebecca, attended Stone Valley Baptist Church on Koogle Road in Mansfield for many years.

Although James never had any children of his own, he is survived by his late wife, Rebecca (Mills) Ward Dalton’s, family. Survivors include stepchildren: Harold and Kathy Ward of Ashtabula and Virginia Argo of Shelby; step-daughter-in-law: Peggy Ward of TN; numerous step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, and step-great great grandchildren; a sister: Faye Gullett; a sister-in-law: Joanne Dalton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother: Melinda (Mays) Dalton King; his father: Walker Dalton; brothers: David, Bill, Gene and Fred Dalton; sisters: Lily Dalton and Helen Kooken; half-brother: Joseph Dalton; half-sister: Betty Dalton; 2 stepsons: Paul Ward and Kenneth Ward; a step-grandson: Chad Ward; a step-great grandson: Brian Ward; and a step-son-in-law: Donald Argo.

Per James’ request, private graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, State Route 99, Willard on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. Private viewing and military honors, conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail, will be conducted at the funeral home prior to the graveside services. Chaplain Bill Leding will officiate the graveside services. Memorial contributions may be made to Stone Valley Baptist Church and left in care of the funeral home.

Care for James and his family is being provided by the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby.

Sympathy may be expressed by leaving an online condolence at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on James’ obituary on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.