James Kenneth Dahms

On July 26, 2017, James Kenneth Dahms, 89, of Concord, NC, went home to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, and his beloved wife, Rita.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 5:30 pm Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Wilkinson Funeral Home. A mass will be held Monday, July 31 at 11:00 am at St. James the Greater Catholic Church with Father Jerome Chavarria officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in IL.

Known to his family and friends as “Ken”, he was born on November 13, 1927, in Chicago, IL, the second child and first born son of Mamie Ann Jilek and Charles Arthur Dahms.

Ken graduated from Mary Queen of Heaven Grammar School, Morton East High School, Morton Junior College (all in Cicero, IL) and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Immediately after World War II, he served as part of the peacekeeping forces in Germany as a member of the US Army, earning the rank of Sergeant.

On May 7, 1949, Ken married the love of his life, Rita T. Izzo. She preceded him in death on March 21, 1991, after a very long battle with multiple sclerosis, during which time Ken cared for her with love and devotion.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ken was preceded in death by sisters June Rocco and Lucille Svehla, brothers Arthur and Edward Dahms, and by infant great-grandson, Leo Kenneth Moses.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Deborah (Deb) Dahms Conrad, son-in-law, James (Jim) Conrad, grandson David Conrad (Amy Floretta); granddaughter Kari Conrad Moses, and husband Jack Moses, and great-grandchildren Logan, Lily, and Lana Moses, who brought him tremendous joy.
Ken is also survived by his youngest sister, Grace Peontke; sister-in-law Mary Ann Dahms, and brother-in-law, Anthony Rocco, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ken had a strong faith that sustained him throughout his life. He loved the Lord, his family, and his country, and he always found pleasure in helping others. One of Ken’s favorite sayings was, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all,” words by which he truly lived. He always looked for the good in everyone. He excelled in everything he did. He had a sterling 42-year career as an electrical engineer, he was a talented self-taught artist, and he could fix or build anything. He always had a smile for everyone he met, and never complained about anything. He was a kind, gentle, and loving soul whose earthly presence will be greatly missed.

We sincerely thank those who helped his family care for him at home, making his final journey as comfortable as possible. We especially thank his great-niece, Vicky Merrick, with her 38 years of nursing experience, Joanne Capilupo, who was like a daughter to him, Father Jerome Chavarria, his personal physician, Dr. Victor Ha, his nurse from Hospice, Adrienne Massello, and his home health CNA’s, Lakesha, Stephanie, Porsha, Gilda, and Shea. You have all been a blessing.

While we are saddened by his physical death, we rejoice in his new and eternal life in Jesus Christ. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Avenue Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28207, American Diabetes Association, 1300 Baxter Street, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28204 or to St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 139 Manor Avenue SW, Concord, NC 28205.