James T. Dycus, age 96, US Navy SeaBees Veteran of WWII, of Hammond, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Beloved Husband for 73 years of Dorothy M. Dycus nee Rupert. Loving Father of Margaret Dale (Larry) Lane of Griffith, IN and Jane (Richard) Foster of ShowLow, AZ. Cherished Brother of Catherine Dycus of Hampton, VA and late Robert "Bill" (late Mary Lucille) Dycus. Proud Granddad of Lawrence Brian (Michelle) Lane of Roberts, WI James Andrew (Koren) Lane of Peoria, AZ, and Richard (Ambor) Lane of Phoenix, AZ. Dearest Great-Granddad of Thomas and Kathryn Lane, and Austin and Kadyn Lane, and Peyton Lane. Fond Uncle of many Nieces and Nephews. Devoted Son of late James C. and late Georgia A. Dycus nee Bell. James was born on December 20, 1916 in Hammond, IN where he attended Hammond HS. He continued his education at Iowa State Teachers' College where he earned a BS in Music Education. James returned to Hammond where he was the Band Director at Edison, Wilson, Clark High School, and several other schools. He was drafted into the Navy where he was a member of the Navy SeaBees 31st Battalion which followed the 5th Marines at Iwo Jima. He was the founder and conductor of the first SeaBees band. He followed that using the GI Bill to earn his Master of Music at the University of Michigan. James was a former member of the Hyde Park Methodist Church and the South Holland Band where he played the cornet. James was also an avid golfer and started an interdenominational church golf league. Services will be Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 10 AM at LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME, 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond. Interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the Family on Friday, December 13, 2013 from 4 PM until 8 PM at LaHAYNE FUNERALHOME. For further information regarding services, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/ 845-3600.