Jim grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. After graduation, he served in the Army as Captain and Company Commander at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. He was an entrepreneur and started the Dempster Corporation that sold table linens and accessories, founded MCC Manufacturers Credit Cooperative and MRCS Manufacturers Representatives Collection Service and, dear to his heart, was the child support collection service Family Advocate that he created.
Jim was active in the local Presbyterian churches, including acting as shepherd for the new member class and as a long-time facilitator for DivorceCare.
He showed tremendous courage, strength and determination in his long struggle with cancer. Jim’s strong faith was central to his life.
Many sought his wise counsel whether for spiritual, business, or personal guidance and you could feel he truly connected with you.
Jim was spiritual, wise, evangelical, loving, compassionate, empathetic, genuine, thoughtful, funny, honest, selfless, consistently stable-even keel, high morals and ethics, integrity, loyal, inspirational, optimistic, patient, reliable, solid, fair, caring, appreciative, intelligent, witty, well-informed, available, merciful, humble, prayerful, strong, sweet, eloquent in correspondence and speaking, the consummate gentleman.
We will miss his earthly presence, but will continue to feel his spirit forever.
He is remembered by his beloved wife of 27 years Karen “Katie”(Kanieski); much loved sister Lillie Young; nephew Chris Young (Liz) and children Cate, Scott, Grant; niece Erin Garrett (Judd) and children Frankie, Campbell, Kassity, Leigh, and Charlie; niece Lindsey Lee (Marc) and children Ryan and Parker; brother-in-law and friend of 50 years John Kanieski (Mary), nephew Chris (Laura) and grandniece Ava; sister-in-law Lynne Deucher (Ted), nephew Alex (Angela) and grandniece Arya, niece Allegra; brother-in-law Charley Kanieski (Liz) and nephew Aaron; sister-in-law Mary Kanieski; sister-in-law Geri Ann Sokell (Jim) and nephews Kyle and Kalin; brother-in-law Mike Kanieski (Sybille) and nephews Max and Ben and niece Carla; and countless friends whose lives he touched so deeply.
Jim was preceded in death by loving mother Stephanie Marie Dempster and father James Garfield Dempster, brother-in-law and close friend Charles Edward Young and grandnephew Calvin Garrett.
The funeral service will be private, but join us for the livestream on Tuesday, April 13, at 11:30AM with the link on www.sparkman-hillcrest.com obituary. Under 'Services', click on JOIN LIVESTREAM. (http://www.hppres.org/live). Graveside service is open to all at 2:30PM that day at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, 75211. Check the website for information on Monday. Or you can also join the livestream for this service on the same website obituary.
Donations are suggested to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) or the Salvation Army.
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