Much of Jim Dickey’s energy has been geared toward public service. With a degree in American history and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Central Missouri, education has been a focus throughout his professional and volunteer life.
Born in Kansas City, Mo., Jim taught middle and high school, was a class sponsor, and coached both girls’ and boys’ sports. A part-time job as a school bus driver eventually led him to a career in transportation with Mayflower, leading him to Fountain Hills in 1992.
He was employed as deputy executive director of operations and planning at RPTA/Valley Metro, as public transportation division director at ADOT, and upon retirement as the Arizona Transit Association executive director.
He served as adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific, Pepperdine, and Willamette University from 1998-2016, providing training for public transportation managers. Jim was also a member of the Board of Trustees at the University of the Rockies in Denver.
Locally, Jim was elected a FHUSD Board Member, 1995-2000, serving twice as president. He was elected and served as chair of EVIT, 2002-2006, and was a member of Golden Eagle Foundation and the Fountain Hills Community Foundation.
He chaired or worked on several successful FHUSD bond and over-ride efforts beginning in 2000 and has been campaign manager for many local candidate elections.
Jim worked on 30th anniversary of incorporation activities and the “Fountain-at-50” commit-tee and helped collect and fill the 25-year time capsule.
Jim co-initiated an effort to establish the new Historic and Cultural Advisory Commission. He supported the town by creating 13 transportation infrastructure project submissions to qualify for regional grant funding. He is a member of the citizen street committee.
Jim is married to Mayor Ginny Dickey and their blended family includes five grown children, spouses and nine grandchildren.
