David Dillman

David Dillman is a lawyer and real estate developer best known for founding several companies. His most acclaimed venture is JetBlue Airlines, founded in 1999.

He was previously employed by OpenSkies, an airline reservation and check-in systems company which was later acquired by HP. Furthermore, he co-founded WestJet – another fledging airline.

Early Life and Education

Raised in poverty, David Dillman developed the skills of hard work and taking responsibility for his own life from an early age. This taught him self-worth, leadership qualities, and a dedication to serving others.

His education consisted of both formal schooling and life experience, including a stint in the army. After earning his bachelor’s degree from California State College (now Cal State Long Beach), he then entered medical school.

He went on to build an impressive career in medicine, becoming a pioneer of cataract surgery and founding member of the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Unfortunately, he succumbed to Parkinson’s disease in 2017 after fighting it for many years.

Professional Career

From 2001 to 2011, Dillman distributed large amounts of phencyclidine (“PCP”), crack cocaine and marijuana in Bladensburg, Maryland. He was part of a drug conspiracy that included his acquaintance Bart Peele – also a fellow distributor.

Dillman was found guilty of drug possession with intent to distribute and distribution, both felonies. He was sentenced to 210 months in prison.

Achievements and Honors

Dillman, a White Oak High School teacher for 13 years, has been instrumental in creating an environmentally sustainable campus and encouraging sustainability throughout the greater community. His hands-on approach to environmental education has motivated many of his students to pursue careers in this field.

Furthermore, he prioritized connecting with his students who were isolated from school due to Hurricane Florence and the COVID-19 pandemic through remote learning. His dedication to his pupils is truly an inspiration.

He has always advocated for his students’ success in the workplace. He guides them through their first jobs, gives them valuable business experience and advice, and instills in them a strong work ethic that will last throughout their professional lives.

Personal Life

David Dillman is a fourth-year student at Case Western Reserve University majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering with a minor in philosophy.

He is the co-op leader for a curated co-op that is working on a patent pending device. His dedication to education is evident, and it shows.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Verna Dillman; sons Tom Wideman and Alan Dillman; their children Amy and Travis Wideman and Patrick and Jody Dillman; sister; as well as many other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Martin and Verna Dillman, he will always be remembered for his many years of service to the community which will always be cherished by his family members. CWRU offers its deepest condolences to his loved ones.

Net Worth

David Dillman boasts a net worth of $1 million. He was employed by the Boeing Corporation for over two and a half decades on their space program.

Throughout his career, he traveled extensively and connected with numerous people. Additionally, he worked at the United States Information Agency (USIA) television programming department.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara Willis Dillman; two sons Greg (Carrie) Dillman of Gastonia, N.C. and Bryan (Sandra) Dillman of Richmond, Ind. ; three grandchildren Matthew (LaDawna) Dillman from Fort Smith, Ark.; Michelle (Christopher) Little of Gibsonville, N.C. and Brad Dillman from Richmond; as well as two great-grandchildren Katherine Dillman and Jace Little.

He is survived by a brother, Ron Dillman of Corinth; sister Janet E. Rhinebarger also of Corinth; and numerous nieces and nephews.