James 'Jimmie'
Dempsey, 94
Jimmie Dempsey, of Lewes, DE and formerly of Dover, DE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Beebe Healthcare. He was born on July 5, 1929, in Dover, DE to the late Elias James and Blanche Alma (McClain) Dempsey. Jimmie attended Dover High School and worked on the family farm. He served in the United States Army with the 196th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War.
In 1952, he married the love of his life, Rebecca Dempsey, and in December they celebrated 70 years of marriage.
After serving in the Army, he was an electrician for Tudor Electric and Carl King Heating and Air. After moving from Dover to Lewes in the 1970's, Jimmie worked as an electrician for Jimmy White and later worked at Storer Cable as a service technician. Before retiring, he worked part time at Hazzard Auto Parts and Nuttle Lumber.
Jimmie enjoyed rabbit hunting, fishing, trains, antique tractors and was a loyal NASCAR fan; Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver. He was a member of the Cheswold Volunteer Fire Department and later a member of the Lewes Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Dempsey; his son, Edward J. Dempsey; his brother, Billy Dempsey; and his sisters, Mable Forman, and Frances Remley.
Jimmie is survived by his daughter, Linda Reitzes and her husband Andy of Dover, DE; his son, Michael Dempsey and his wife Joni of Milton, DE; his granddaughter, Taylor Dempsey of Tampa, FL.; his sister, Maryjane Bell of Dover; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services are private.
Final care for Jimmie has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions in Jimmie's memory to Lewes Volunteer Fire Department, 347 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, or Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company, 371 Main St. Cheswold, DE. 19936.
Please visit Jimmie's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.