James B. Dabney

On Friday, August 29, 2008, James Bernard Dabney, 43, of Dennison, Ohio passed away in his home.

Born February 21, 1965 in Canton, Ohio, he was the son of Ruth Keller Moran of Dennison and Thomas Dabney of Athens, Ohio. Many of his friends and family knew him by his nick name, "Big Jim." He was a man with an even bigger heart.

Jim graduated from Malvern High school in 1983, where he excelled in wrestling. Upon graduation, Big Jim entered the service. He spent four years in the United States Navy, where he was stationed at Fallon Naval Air Station. He was an Air Crewman.

Jim spent most of his life at Lake Mohawk, where he loved to swim, hunt, fish, and go boating. Jim lived in Panama City, Florida for awhile. He treasured the beautiful sandy beaches, and the sea that captivated his heart.

In his spare time, Jim drew and painted. He dreamed of being an artist, and one day to be "discovered."

For years, Big Jim, worked alongside his mother as a manager of Poor Man's Furniture in New Philadelphia. He had an easy going personality, and could relate to people in all walks of life.

Jimmy will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his loving mother, Ruth, as well as three daughters; Elyse (husband, Shawn) Dabney-Steigerwald, Amanda and Samantha Dabney all of Panama City Beach, Florida; his only brother, Chris (wife, Kelly) Alexander of Malvern, Ohio; his step-father, Clyde Moran of Dennison; two granddaughters, Zoey and Layla of Panama City Beach, Florida; and two nephews, John and David Alexander also of Malvern, Ohio, and his many, many friends.

Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory in New Philadelphia will honor Jim's wishes to be cremated. His daughters will dispense his ashes to the four winds over the ocean he so loved.

The family is holding a celebration of Jimmy's life at Moran's, 2-B at 123 N. Tuscarawas Ave, Dover on Friday, September 5, 2008 at 7:00 pm. The Moran family requests that all family members and friends use the Cherry Street Entrance.

Those unable to attend or who want to sign an online register book for Jame's can do so by clicking on the "obituary" link on the funeral home's website.