James “Jimmy” Wendell Dykes, 79 years, lifelong resident of Clinton County Missouri, passed away on Monday May 24, 2021 at St Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City Missouri. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Kearney. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 28 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Kearney 925 E. State Route 92, Kearney He was born on Tuesday April 28, 1942 in Holt, Missouri. He is the son of the late Clarence and Essie (née Smithee) Dykes. Jimmy was proud of the construction business he built from one D-6 dozer in 1966 to Dykes Construction that he operated with his son Scott and grandson Nick until his death. From that one machine to today’s extensive equipment selection, he never forgot the importance of flexibility and persistence as he dealt with lean years and years of plenty, government regulations and the ever unknown of weather which can make a seemingly easy job quite complex and more time consuming than expected. He was thrilled to know that his dream will go on long after his passing in the capable hands of his son and grandson. He was also a man generous with his time, talents and skills. At the age of 18 he went to auctioneering school and spent a lifetime using his fast-talking skills to support countless community efforts and charities. For more than 60 years he supported the Holt United Methodist Church fall auction, supported youth groups his own children and grandchildren belonged to and other organizations when friends or family asked him to support. Jimmy loved children and animals and was always the first to help an animal in need. His love of his children and grandchildren knew no bounds. He could be seen roller blading around his shop with Nick and Katie or playing in a bounce house with Georgia and Thomas. And having a grandpa with dirt moving equipment had its perks – he even built a 4- wheeler track so they could race and have fun. His smile and fun-loving personality will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, two children; Brenda (Charles) Hatfield of Jefferson City, Scott (Dana) Dykes of Excelsior Springs, four grandchildren; Nicholas Dykes, Kathryn (Cleetus) Willimetz, Thomas Hatfield, Georgia Hatfield, two great grandchildren: Reiley Dykes, Kessler Willimetz, and three siblings; Darlene Prentice, Earl Dee Dykes, Bob Dykes. James is preceded in death by 3 siblings who all passed away at the age of 5 or younger