 He was born to parents James Dykes and Janet Wilson Murray aka 'Jessie' and had 3 brothers, Alexander, William and James; and 2 sisters, Agnes and Jessie.His brother William Dykes also played rugby union for Clydesdale and Glasgow District.His son, John Morton Dykes, was a noted amateur golfer who played in the 1936 Walker Cup and was the Scottish Amateur champion in 1951.