Obituary of James Richard Dean

James R. "Jim" Dean, 79, of Glen Aubrey, NY, passed away at home on Monday, October 28, 2024. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Helen Dean. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat Dean; four sons and daughters-in-law, Brett Dean, Lee Dean, Shawn and Becca Dean, Chad and Jen Dean; 12 grandchildren, Dylan, Destiny, Trevor, Olivia, Melody, Kale, Sydney, Kodey, Maya, Anna, Anakin, Cassian; seven great-grandchildren, Hunter, James, Adalia, Kolsin, Oakley, Lennon, Kinzley; brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Cheryl Dean; many nieces, nephews and several dear friends. Jim graduated from Whitney Point High School,Class of 1964 and enlisted with the U.S. Army. In March 1966 he volunteered for Vietnam and served with the First Infantry Division as a LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol). His awards include: Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device for heroism, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroism, Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Palm Unit Citation Medal, State of New York Conspicuous Service Cross, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars. He and his wife Pat raised four sons together. He was Executive Director of Accord, A Dispute Resolution Center, a criminal justice agency for the State of New York Office of Court Administration; Co-Founder and President for several years of The Organization of Vietnam Veterans; and later worked as a sport-fishing charter captain on Lake Ontario. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and loved spending time with his wife, four sons and spouses and his grandchildren and friends. Jim served as Councilman for the Town of Nanticoke for 24 years, served on the board and volunteered many years with the American Red Cross, and multiple other organizations. The family will receive friends Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 59 Keibel Road, Whitney Point. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Burial will follow in the Center Lisle Cemetery with full military honors being accorded. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Ecumenical Food Pantry, PO Box 711, Whitney Point NY 13862. Arrangements are by the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to Jim's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.