James Joseph Dempsey - 2/28/1939 - 3/21/2024

James Joseph Dempsey, age 85 of Woodlyn, PA passed away peacefully on March 21st. Loving husband of 63 years to Barbara Ann (Doyle).  Son of Peter Joseph & Anna C (Quigley).  Youngest brother of Thomas J (Roberta)(†Helen); siblings Jack (Elizabeth), Elizabeth Beadle (William), Anna Mae Clark (Francis). Father to Barbara C Breslin (John), Thomas J (Shelly), Robert J (Jacqueline), Michelle C Franklin (Matthew), Stephen C (Jennifer). Proud Pop Pop to Katie (Dempsey) Jones, Tommy Dempsey, Leia Dempsey, Sean Franklin, Jason Franklin, Ryan Dempsey, Eric Dempsey, John Breslin, Emilie (Franklin) Longenecker, Dustin Franklin and great granddaughter Ellie Jones. Beloved brother-in-law to Jack & Mary Gallagher and James Cahill (Dolores) (†Nancy). Uncle to 36 nieces and nephews.

Jim was born in South Philadelphia, grew up in Sharon Hill and attended Holy Spirit Grade School and then St James High School (Chester). In 1957 Jim met Barbara at the St. Alice Dance, they married November 1960.  He started his career as an apprentice at Westinghouse Turbines and grew his career there in tool design until the plant closing in Essington in 1987.    During his early years he attended Penn State and Widener University in the evening (while working and raising with Barbara their 4 children in SW Philadelphia).  In 1971 the family moved to Woodlyn, PA where they welcomed their youngest son in 1974.  Jim continued his career at Boeing until his retirement in 2001.  His next career progression was proudly babysitting and sharing time with his grandchildren. He was thrilled to meet great-granddaughter Ellie last year.

Jim loved spending time at his family vacation home in Wildwood Crest with his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family and neighbors.  He was an active member of Our Lady of Peace parish in Milmont Park, PA.  Jim held sacred the belief in respect for life, he lived and shared that message.    Jim was social, enjoyed chatting with people and sharing stories, could be silly and loved sharing in fun lighthearted teasing. He welcomed all the family dogs. Known as well for his good home cooking of family meals.  Lifelong Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He enjoyed listening to a variety of music and podcasts. Many of his favorite things to share with Barbara (and family) was dining out, travel, cruises, concerts and stage musicals.

In lieu of Flowers: the family respectfully requests donations be made in Jim's name to Little Sisters of the Poor or charity of your choice.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim's visitation between 9:30 and 10:45 AM on Monday April 1, 2024 at Our Lady of Peace Church in Milmont Park, PA followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am, and internment at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield.