James W. Desmond

Jim was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to James and Jessie Desmond on September 13, 1943. He graduated from Brentwood High School in Pittsburgh. He married Karen Y. Duranceau on April 6, 1968 in Hialeah, Florida. He completed college classes at the University of Maryland European Division. Jim's career of over 40 years spanned from jet aircraft mechanic (National Airlines, Pan Am) to operating and maintaining the plant and engineering facilities for industrial and commercial buildings. He continued educational courses through 2018. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the Air Force. He was involved in the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 023. He attended Taft Street Baptist Church where he loved to hold the door and greet people as they came for service.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Karen, his daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Perry Long, his son and daughter-in-law James and Maria Desmond and his daughter Deanna Desmond. Also, his source of great joy, his 8 grandchildren: Cassidy, Perry Jr., Bradley, Riley, Alexandra, Jake, Mikayla and Michael. He was one of 9 children and is survived by his brother David and sisters Peggy, Maryellen, Susan and Cindy.

Viewing will be at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, October17, 2018 at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home in Hollywood

Funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home in Hollywood with Pastor Albert Gerena of Taft Street Baptist Church officiating. Reception will follow at the home of Perry and Tammy Long. He will be buried at the South Florida National Cemetery.