James "Jim" L. Dallman

Technical Sergeant, USAF

Vietnam Era Veteran

Gulf War Veteran

TSgt James L. Dallman, USAF Reserve (Ret.), 87, of Niceville Florida, died peacefully in his hometown of 53 years, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

“Jim” Dallman was born July 6, 1937 in Miami, Florida to Roy M. Dallman and Ruby Farrant Dallman. In 1957 he met the girl he would marry, Ann. Ann’s father had his doubts about Jim, so he offered her a new Thunderbird in lieu of his marriage blessing. When a new car failed to dissuade her, her father insisted, as a prerequisite to marriage, that Jim must “have a good job.” This was the beginning of Jim’s 34 years of service in the US Air Force, and a 65-year marriage. Jim served during the Vietnam Era, and became a founding member of the 919th Air Force Reserve Special Operations Wing at Duke Field in 1971. He worked as a full-time civil service employee, as well as an Air Reserve Technician, on the AC-130A Spectre gunships. In 1991, at age 53, he was recalled to active duty for the Gulf War. After 34 years of active and reserve duty, Jim retired in 1993. His first big post-retirement trip was driving from Niceville to Anchorage, traversing the Alaska Highway, to take Ann to her new remote civil service assignment. His first 3 years of retirement were spent hunting and fishing in Alaska, while Ann finished up her career. Once Ann retired, they travelled extensively for the next 25 years. Since 2015, he has been the devoted primary care giver to wife Ann.

Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, traveling back to Alaska many times, as well as to Mexico in pursuit of his passion. He passed his love of fishing on to his grandson, Ryan. Jim loved spending time with, and built lasting friendships with his hunting club buddies in Camden, Greenville and Wing, Alabama. In his younger days, Jim was also a runner and a skilled member of the 919th intramural volleyball team. Later in life, Jim could regularly be seen riding his three-wheeled bicycle through the neighborhood, picking up discarded treasures from the curb.

Survivors include his Wife, Ann Dallman of Niceville, FL; daughters, Sandra Hassell (Scott) of Niceville, FL and Karen Knowlton (Doug) of Dade City FL; Son, Mike (Sharon) of Niceville, FL; brother Roy Alan Dallman (Judi) of Pace, FL; sisters, Donna M. Crane of Salem, OR and Cheryl Rene Rogers (Paul) of Apison, TN; brother-in-law James M Dalton (Frances) of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren, Allison Fretts (Calen), Jenna Thomas (Bryan), Lindsey Campbell (Ryan), Ryan Knowlton and Cassidy Bryan (Patrick); Great Grandchildren, Calla, Colson, and Abigail; Nieces and Nephews, Catrina (Brandon), Alex, Jacob (Bianca), Michael, Thomas and Melissa; Grand Nieces and Nephews, Harper, Kalina, Logan, Morgan and Haley.

Per his wishes, Jim will be cremated and interred at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola, 1 Cemetery Rd, with military honors, on Friday, August 16, 2024 at 11:30 am.  

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held at Compass Rose, 303 Glen Avenue Valparaiso, FL, on Friday, August 16, 2024, 6:00 pm to 10:00. Dress is “fisherman casual” – shorts and Columbia shirts.

Friends and family are invited to both.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Coastal Conservation Association, https://ccaflorida.org/product/redfishrestocking/

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