Jim Dempsey Memorial
James Peter Dempsey
Born in Brooklyn, New York on Jan. 11, 1948
Departed on May 7, 2004 and resided in Laredo, TX.
Do Not Grieve for James P. Dempsey.
Rather–rejoice in his memory and the many lives that he has touched. Dempsey was a loving father, an adored lover, a decorated hero and much more. Not a soul alive who had the privilege of meeting him was indifferent to him. So, his family asks that you take those memories of him and learn the lessons he had to offer. Above all, live every day to the fullest and take nothing for granted.
James Dempsey’s lists of accomplishments are too long to list. He was a soldier, loyal to his country in every way, decorated with three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star for Bravery and so many more. He was founder of Halo Flight, ever intent on saving and enriching lives. He was an active Mason and enjoyed Civil War re-enactments- an active member of the 69th Division of the Irish Brigade as well as the 6th Texas Division. He was a father – not only to this writer but to every child that he met, teaching always to be true to yourself, and at the same time not to take yourself so seriously – for when it comes down to it, who else can you truly laugh at? He survives in all of our hearts and leaves behind his daughter, Rachyll Dempsey, Psy. D., his partner, Hillary McAllister, his siblings, many nieces and nephews and thousands of friends. We wish to extend an invitation to everyone who would like to celebrate his life and memory.”
Jim Dempsey Memorial Archive
Submit an Entry(152)
oh, mr. dempsey...
so you've finally stopped making cameos in my dreams. but now your memory is with me as i sit here, accidentally having stumbled upon this page (?!) at 2am, missing my family asleep in laredo, & wide-awake in new orleans.
sigh.
you'd be so proud of me-
i'm doing well here at tulane, am aiding the recovery effort through education & service (this place still has a long way to go; how I wish you were here to see it, too), am thoroughly enjoying this beloved strange/sinful/soulful city, & am even behaving myself! (well, usually, haha.)
i think of you everytime i walk down decatur street & pass by the posh/pungent cigar lounges, full of robust men in cushy leather chairs (some even with handlebar mustaches), laughing heartily with a glass of scotch in hand…
Your Birthday today. Miss and love you always but feel that you are at my side.
I'm sure Jim is very proud of Dionne and her accomplishment.
Hillary
It's been awhile. Well Jim, I finally did it. I walked across the stage and received my diploma in early education ec-4. I thought of you as they called my name. You were always proud of your daughter for going to college. I hope your proud of me! We sure do miss you around here. I miss your crazy lyrics to songs. Every time I smell a cigar I follow the scent and think of you. You will always be my father and I miss you everyday. I wonder if your watching over all of us.
Remembered with love on this Veteran's Day.
Love always,
Hillary
I now work as a psychologist in San Quentin prison and every day share a bit of my father with each inmate that I see. I share his compassion, his ability to see the good in everyone. I share his strength, and value of seizing the joy from each day. And occasionally I'll share his story - his ability to overcome all the trials that life presented.
I write today because of his daughter, Dara's, post - because when I heard that Dad had accepted three little girls as his daughters I was thrilled - he had too much love in him for just one child. For me, it's not enough to miss him - I must celebrate his legacy through my everyday actions and interactions. Dara - my sister - I hope you dance...
Vietnam 1967. I was feverish with malaria. Doc said give me your rifle and walk in front of me. Shots rang out, my world exploded, my face was in the dirt, I couldn't breathe. I finally realized that on the first shot Doc had knocked me to the ground and was lying on top of me to protect me. I can see him now rushing to someone's aid with a ton of gear. We miss you Doc.
As the days go by my grief and sorrow would never change my thoughts and memories of Jim. A more of a father like than my biological father. I will NEVER forget him or his famous egg amlets.:) I will NEVER forget him ever.
amazing how one can see in just words from others how good a person was without meeting him.
WHEN PEOPLE ARE WITH US WE PRAY FOR THEM. ONCE THEY LEAVE WE PRAY TO THEM. DEMPSEY PUT IN A GOOD WORD FOR US STILL DOWN HERE. WE MISS YOU!
Three years. Can you believe you still have all these people thinking about you? I guess the roll over kiss my A-- goodbye saying is not working here. You made me laugh at Marys funeral. Just happen to be a civil war reanacment going on. I guess I know what you're doing on the other side.
Miss the old nasty cigar!!
It was good to hear from Hillary on 7 May. Her question of can you imagine it has been three years since we lost Jim, brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. I really miss my dear friend Dempsey. No one will ever know what an impact Jim had on me and my life. With no doubt Jim was one of the most special people that God ever put on this earth. I miss you my dear friend and always will. You taught me to always soldier on and keep my ear to the ground. Rest in peace my brother. I will never forget you.
B M E
O & O
Three years have gone by! I love you and miss you everyday.
W. Girl
Hi all who are reading this guestbook - I'd just like to let you all know that it makes me incredibly happy everytime I look at it and see how many people still think about and love my Dad...
Hi Jim, We miss you a bunch Thinking back at the time we spent together as comrad in arms. I know that as long as you were there we did not have to worry. God bless you Brother .,You will never be forgoten,One year in Viet Nam,
Brothers In Arms and, Band of Brothers, Ed Walsh B CO 2nd Bn 5th Cav 1st Cav Div Viet Nam 1966-1967 (Happy St Patricks Day Jim)
Happy St Patricks day!!
Its not the same without you.
Dear Dempsey,
Missing you on your Birthday, missing you everyday. I feel you near me everday.
Love,
White Girl
Remembered with love on this Veteran's Day.
W.Girl
I miss you everyday and laugh when I remember some of the crazy things we did together. You made the little things in life fun. Wish I could share this time with you, you are never far from my thoughts.
W.Girl
There is not a day that goes by that I do not reflect upon my friend Jim. He was truly a great American. Knowing him for sure made me a better person. All of us that knew him were blessed to have his friendship.
B M E
