James Richard Dean, Sr.
Age 75, passed away at home in Trinity, FL on Monday, October 8, 2018. He was born on December 26, 1942 to Walter and Kathryn Dean in Washington, DC and was raised in Greenbelt, Maryland. He served in the Army where he earned his Master Parachutist Badge. He was a proud Veteran of the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, and the Army Commendation Medal. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leila; sons Richard Dean and James Dean, Jr.; daughters Rita Wilson, and Becky Horvath; brother, Hugh O’Donnell; and sister, Kathryn Nieman. He also has seven precious grandchildren and one great-grandchild who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his daughters, Kimberly Dean, and Marian Dean. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 20th at 12:00 p.m. at Bethel Bible Baptist Church, 9847 State Road 54, New Port Richey, FL 34655. He will be honored and buried at Arlington National Cemetery in the months to come. Flowers can be sent directly to Dobies Funeral Home, 8825 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653 or a donation made in lieu of flowers to Shriners Hospital in Jim’s honor. Jim had a big personality with an even bigger heart and he leaves behind an immense hole. We love you James Dean.
Paul and Rhonda Smith (Family friend)
October 19, 2018, 12:00 am
Our deepest sympathy to our family and extended family. We pray for all of you . Please know we love you all and will be in our prayers.
Garry Barnes
July 9, 2026, 5:07 pm
My name is Garry Barnes. I grew up in Hollywood, MD. I was drafted the same day as Jimmy. I rode on the bus with him in Hyattsville, MD to Baltimore the day we were draft. There were four of us on the bus. Jimmy, me, Pat Mehan and Mike Beyonti (sp?). We all decided to go Army Airborne. In Baltimore, we were separated with other draftees. I met Jimmy again in Leadership Training School months later. We drank beer together when we could. After Jump School, Jimmy was assigned to the 173rd and I to the 101st Airborne. I connected with Jimmy after the war. He got shot up some and decided to continue serving in the Army. Jimmy was my friend. Pat Mehan ended up staying with the 82nd at Fort Bragg his whole 2 years. Mike Beyonti was assigned to the 101st and was killed in action.