W. James "Jim" Strickland

W. James "Jim" Strickland, 87, of Milford, DE passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at home. Jim was born in Wilmington, DE the son of the late William P. and Carol (Wagner) Strickland. Jim lived his entire childhood in Richardson Park, Wilmington. He was a 1955 graduate of Conrad High School, where he played basketball and was an outstanding pitcher on the baseball team. He attended Mars Hill College in Ashville, NC and graduated in 1957. While at Mars Hill, he played baseball where he continued to star as a pitcher. After college, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at West Point Military Academy, West Point, NY. While in the Army, Jim met his wife Patricia A. McFadden. They were married in August 1960 and enjoyed a 65 year marriage. 

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Jim joined the Diamond State Telephone Company. After starting his career as a lineman, Jim rose to the position of business manager for downstate Delaware in 1997, a position he held for over 30 years. He then took on Government Relations for Verizon at the Delaware General Assembly. After retiring from Verizon, Jim served the Delaware Auto and Truck Dealers as their government relations specialist. He greatly enjoyed working with the Delaware Auto Dealers, legislators and fellow lobbyists.

During his time with the Diamond State Telephone Company, Jim was a member of the Dover Rotary, the Capital City Rotary Club, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and member of the Milford Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, where he proudly served as Chairman of the Board. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister Carol Hayden.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Patricia Ann Strickland; his children William J. Strickland (Okemah), Wendy M. Russell, Scott J. Strickland (Dayna), and Clifford H. Strickland (Jennifer); 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly as a coach and spectator for children’s and grandchildren’s ball games. He also cherished his time surf fishing in Fenwick Island with his uncle Dick Jackson, playing golf with his brother-in-law Frank McFadden, and rowing his scull on Haven Lake with friends Jack Burris, Bob Fischer, and John Exley.

A viewing will be held from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Monday, June 9, 2025 at the Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Milford where services will be at 11:30 am. Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Bayhealth Foundation, 640 S. State Street, Mail Code 3071, Dover, DE  19901. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

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