James" Jim" Dennis

August 13,1941 - November 8, 2024

On Friday, November 8th, 2024, James "Jim" Dennis passed from this world to the next at the age of 83. Jim lived the life of a Patriot, having served our nation for 27 years and tested himself in the fire of battle, found himself equal to the task, then went on to live, love, serve, thrive, and enjoy life in the country that he loved. Jim passed quietly in his sleep next to the woman he loved, Glenda Kreiger, his friend and partner of 20 plus years.

Jim was born on August 13, 1941 in Atwood, Oklahoma to Paul Dennis and Annabell Thornburg Dennis. In 1960, Jim graduated from Pryor High School, where he played football, ran track, and played trumpet in the band. Jim honorably served in the Oklahoma National Guard for 5 years and the US Army as a Combat Engineer for 23 additional years, including 18 months in the republic of Vietnam. Jim attained the Rank of Sgt First Class (E7) and had numerous medals to include: Humanitarian Service Medal/ Vietnam Campaign Medal /National Defense Service Medal /Overseas Service Ribbon X 3/ Army Service Ribbon/ Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star / Bronze Star Medal/ Meritorious Unit Citation/ Vietnam cross of gallantry unit citation/ good conduct metal X 7. Citation, commendations, and military schools to numerous to mention. He retired from the service and went on to a career of HVAC and Electrical Service Technician Repairman in East Texas, working until he was 69. He was an active member of his Local VFW post.

The world as we know it has been made better by his service. The City of Norwich, Connecticut awarded him the keys to the city after digging out their town in the legendary blizzard of 1978. Immigrants of Vietnam have made the USA their home and contributed to the fabric of American Life, opening businesses, embracing advanced professions, and adapting to the country that they now call home. Eastern Europe no longer sits in the shadow of a concrete wall with manned guard towers, and razor wire. Nuclear war is a remote threat, that no longer owns much real estate in the mind of the average American, or European. Untold numbers of young men served under his tutelage and command. He trained numerous classes of next generation recruits as a drill instructor creating a strong core of future soldiers, fundamental to the defense of our nation. He left a tremendous legacy in this world and will be deeply missed.

"Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, a veteran doesn't have that problem." – Ronald Reagan

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Inise Meeker-Dennis; and his first-born son, Ronald Dennis.

Jim is survived by his sister, Polly Shofner; his children: Martin "Mark" Dennis and Jamie Lancaster; his grand-kids: Crystal, Tristen, Catherine, Josey, Jessica, Benjamin, Meredith, and Justin; his great-grand kids: Macee and Jayson.