Bonham, Texas -- Mr. James Charles "JC" Dempsey, Jr., 94, of Bonham, Texas passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Traditions Senior Assisted Living Center in Sherman. His wife Johnnie and son James Dempsey were by his side, along with caretaker of the center. He will be interred at DFW National Cemetery on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home Bonham, Texas.

James Dempsey, Jr. is survived by his wife Johnnie of 76 years; son, James Dempsey III and wife Emily of Bonham; daughter-in-law, Leslie Dempsey of Rochelle, TX; grandchildren, James L. Dempsey and wife Leah of Brighton, CO; Natasha L. Reid and husband Scott of Claremore, OK; Sean E. Dempsey and wife Helen of El Paso, TX; Jacob J. Dempsey and wife Aly of Canton, TX; Nathan Dempsey and wife Amanda of San Francisco, CA; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Larry W. Dempsey of Springtown, TX; sister, Gladys Moore of Alvord, TX; and brother, Dale Dempsey of Cook City, MT.

Mr. Dempsey was of the greatest generation, he was born on June 14, 1924 in Morris, OK to James Charles Dempsey, Sr. and Jennie Jeannetta (Romines) Dempsey. He lived through the Great Depression. James went to school in Iraan, Texas. He became an Eagle Scout in 1941 and married when he was a junior in high school. He began his career with Gulf Oil at that time and drove a water truck at night and went to school during the day. This was the beginning of a work ethic that was passed down to generations.

When he graduated from high school he joined the Marine Corp in 1943. James was eventually assigned to Marine Airwing Group 24 (Dauntless Dive Bomber). He served in the Pacific Theatre and had countless stories to be told that did not make headlines. He was released from active duty in 1945 and was always proud to be a Marine.

Upon returning home JC returned to Gulf Oil. He worked 40 plus years; advancing in both position and knowledge, eventually became superintendent of Permian Basin, offshore rigs in both the Gulf of Mexico and Africa.

JC was very civic minded, always volunteering. He and his brothers helped build two different churches in Iraan, Texas. He was a very strong Christian, a mason and a Shriner. He worked closely with the Shriners Hospital in San Antonio; he once sent a child there that was burned using a helicopter assigned to him, to transport her there. JC always did what was right.

He had high expectations for his family, friends and fellow co-workers.
 
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