Doc Dempsey
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James
(Doc) Dempsey lived for another thirty-four years after his three tours in the
Vietnam War. For his outstanding courage and self-sacrifice, he was awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts and a host of
other medals. But his health was always fragile after the wounds he received,
especially his heart. In 1989, he suffered a massive heart attack shortly after
inaugurating the first helicopter medical evacuation service ("Halo Flight") in
south Texas. He became its first patient. He continued to work in a
variety of roles, primarily serving the public in the Emergency Services. On May
7, 2004, while riding back to work in a car with a colleague in Laredo, Jim suffered another
heart attack and this time it took his life. He was fifty-six years old. He
leaves a daughter, three brothers and two sisters, and his loving partner,
Hillary McAllister.
Here is the tribute written by his daughter, Rachyll, and published in
the local newspapers:
"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 for this newspaper.
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. (to be), 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."
Hillary, his partner for the past seven years, said:
"Jim made you feel like you were part of a team, that you belonged, that
you were worth something special. He always saw the best in people and, as a
result, made them feel good about themselves. He fulfilled exactly what he set
out to do. He was always doing service for other people. It was love in action.
For him, every day was a gift."
She points out that Jim was not actually a conscientious objector to the
war, but that he admitted telling that story in his hospital bed in Saigon in
1970. Jim told the author of "The Cat from Hue" that he liked telling different
stories to different people, to amuse himself as much as them. He gave specific
instructions not to change a word in the chapter about him in the hospital in
Vietnam, though he had not been arrested for draft evasion, nor sentenced to
Army service. In fact, he was a volunteer who served three tours.
James "Doc" Dempsey was a man whose life had a happy, healthy effect on
many others in a troubled world. God bless him, and his memory.
A collection of tributes to Doc Dempsey can be seen at
http://obit.joejacksonheights.com/guestbook.cgi?id=125839&clientid=jo