John H. Dilks Sr.

March 22, 1935 - March 31, 2015

John H. “Jack” Dilks, Sr., 80, of Greenwich Twp., passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning March 31, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Salem and raised in “Pigseye” to the late William Ireland and Nelda M. (nee Hall) Dilks, he was the husband of Elizabeth J. (nee Jester) Dilks. Jack and Elizabeth resided on their horse ranch located in both Lower Alloways Creek and Quinton townships for many years before moving to Greenwich Twp. five years ago. Jack was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War. He was also a life member of the Corp. Joseph C. Toulson V.F.W. Post 253 in Elsinboro Twp. (Tilbury) and acted as Post Commander from 1973 to 1974. Jack was a carpenter by trade and, until his retirement, worked as a union carpenter for M. J. Doyle and Bechtel at Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station. He loved horses and was an owner, trainer and driver of Standardbred horses for many years. Jack was also a member of the U.S. Trotting Association. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends, and working in his garden, woodshop, and neighbor’s nursery. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Elizabeth; his son, John H. Dilks, Jr. and wife Valerie of Quinton Twp.; his two brothers, William George “Smoke” Dilks and wife Louise “Sis” of Salem, and James Harry Dilks, Sr. and wife Loretta of Lower Alloways Creek Twp.; his two granddaughters, Kristin N. Lapicki of Havertown, PA and Kelly A. Dilks of Newark, DE; his sister-in-law Ruth N. Jester of Wilmington, DE; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by CoCo, his loyal chocolate Labrador Retriever. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Corp. Joseph C. Toulson V.F.W. Post 253, with visitation beginning one-hour prior. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Jack’s memory to the Corp. Joseph C. Toulson V.F.W. Post 253, 20 Phillip Drive, Salem, NJ 08079 or to Inspira Home Care and Hospice Care Inc., 1138 East Chestnut Avenue, Building 3B, Vineland, NJ 08360. Cremation and inurnment of the cremated remains took place in Camden County Crematory, Waterford Twp.