Obituary of James Leonard Dalton

James “Jim” Leonard Dalton, age 85, died peacefully at home on April 23, 2024.

Jim was born in Verona, New Jersey, to James and Margret Dalton. After serving in the US Navy, he established a career as a systems analyst.  At age 82, Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in social work and addiction counseling summa cum laude from Morehead State University, accomplishing a lifelong goal.

Jim was ordained to the diaconate for the Catholic Diocese of Lexington in June 2012. He served faithfully as a deacon at St. Jude Church in Louisa for twelve years. He also devoted many years as a volunteer with hospice, the Christian Appalachian Project, Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center, Big Sandy Federal Penitentiary, and God’s Food Pantry of the Louisa Ministerial Association.

Deacon Jim is survived by his cherished wife of thirty-four years, Trisha, son Steve and daughter-in-law Sydney - who loved him like a father, son Scot and partner Gerry, sister Margot, twin sister Betsy, brother-in-law Dennis, and many nieces and nephews and their children.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bishop John Stowe at St. Jude Church, 1121 Meadowbrook Lane, Louisa, KY 41230 at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30th. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m; luncheon at church following mass.

On Friday, May 24th at 11 a.m. a memorial mass will be celebrated by Pastor Mike Ramler for family and friends at St. Jude Church; calling hours from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m; military honors and luncheon following mass.  All are welcome on either date.

Donations may be made to God’s Food Pantry in Louisa.

Care for Jim and his family has been entrusted to our family at Wilson Funeral Home.