Chief Master Sgt. James “Rocky” Dallas

Retired Chief Master Sgt. James “Rocky” Dallas peacefully passed on Dec 26th. After retiring from the military, he worked as a counselor for MDC in the drug and alcohol program. He later worked as a social worker for DSHS in the CPS program. His services will be held on Jan. 6th, viewing 10am, funeral 11am, at Shiloh Baptist Church 1211 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405

James “Rocky” Dallas was born in 1930 the son of the late Roy Dallas and Christine Gentry in Little Rock, Arkansas where he attended Public School. Determined to make a life for himself he went into the Navy in 1945, joined the Army, and later joined the United States Air Force.

In the summer of 1951, He married Alender Hadley at Selfridge AFB MI. The next ten years James and Alender were blessed with four children, Algerita, Jamraydal, Bentee and Janderia. He was transferred to Little Rock where he had become a Mason in the 1950’s. The military sent him to various duty stations. He served in World War II and the Korean War.

James “Rocky” Dallas is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served thirty-two years before retiring and making his home in Washington State in 1977. He received the Air Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation w/4 oak leaf clusters, Outstanding Unit Award w/V for valor and one oak leaf cluster, President Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster.

James was a devout member of Miles Memorial CME Church where he served as a beloved Sunday School Teacher until his departure. Rocky was a “Rock” to his family. You could always count on his support, his counsel and loyalty. Friends loved him for his humor, vast knowledge, willingness to listen and his commitment to excellence.

As a civilian he worked for the Tacoma/Pierce County Narcotic Center as the Director. After a reduction in force he worked for the State of Washington in the division of Children and Family Services. He served as a consultant in Drug and Alcohol with the Child Protective Service. He loved his job and enjoyed his co-workers. You could always see him dressed in a suit and tie on the job. “PRESS ON’’ was a favorite phrase he used as words of encouragement to remind us all to keep moving forward.

A true connoisseur of knowledge he pursued many academic endeavors. In June of 2000 he received his Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Counseling-Summa cum Laude-from Somerset University. He was an ardent reader of history books and detective novels. He enjoyed watching military and other historical documentaries on the History Channel. James enjoyed traveling all over the world seeing new sites and meeting new people. His favorite travel companion was his wife.

James is survived by his wife of 66 years Alender Dallas, children Algerita Mustin, Bentee Dallas, Janderia Burrell and son-in-law Romaine Burrell, his grandchildren Christara Mustin, Jason Pate, Alendra Dallas, Jaimie Dallas, Alexandrite Burrell, his great-grandchildren Vanshae, De Marion, Keyondre, Josiah, and Zacchaeus and his sisters-in-law Shirley Reese, Vi Reese, Marietta Reese and Jeanette Johnson. Jewel White is his families’ oldest living decedent. He was like a father and favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews. He was known as Grandpa Dallas to many in the community and was blessed to have countless extended family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his son Jamraydal and siblings Frankie, Lulu, Roy, Wadell, Tommy, and Richard.