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In memory of
Dennis R. St. James
July 23, 1953 - January 16, 2021
Jul 23, 1953 - Jan 16, 2021
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to the Dennis St. James Memorial Fund.
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Dennis's obituary
After military service, Dennis went to Quinnipiac College in Hamden, CT, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy in May 1979. During his college life he met the love of his life, Katherine Mandirola. They were married on May 27, 1978. After College, Dennis and Kathy, being Adventurers, packed up and moved to Phoenix, AZ to start a new life there.
Dennis began his Physical Therapy career as a staff Therapist at St Joseph’s hospital in Phoenix. In 1981 he decided to venture out and started his own private practice. He successfully ran “St. James Physical Therapy” for forty years. His dedication to his patients was unsurpassed. Many physicians referred countless patients to him for treatment over the years. What ailments he couldn’t fix with his hands he’d try to fix with his wit and humor. “Crazy” Dennis ALWAYS made people laugh and feel good. When his patients graduated from his care, they received one of his famous “SIU University” (Suck It Up) tee-shirts.
Dennis was an active member of the Open-Door Fellowship Church of Phoenix. He found much comfort, guidance, and solace during his time there. Dennis lived a life filled with love, dedication, passion, and adventure. His love for all his family was foremost and endless. Some of his greatest joys were family vacations, concerts with Kathy, golfing, camping with his sons, and watching his granddaughters play soccer. Dennis’ time in the Service fostered his passion for music and photography. He always had a massive Stereo system and a diverse musical library. His eye for photography was apparent in all his beautiful pictures. The people he met and the places he traveled were displayed throughout his office and home. He loved camping in the backcountry of AZ and cooking in his Dutch oven. He organized countless Grand Canyon White Water rafting trips and vacationed on Houseboats on Lake Powel. He fished for salmon in British Columbia and Sky Dived in AZ and CT. He took many trips to the Czech Republic to see his son Ryan and daughter-in-law Kristyna. Dennis gave his ALL to everything in life and never held back.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Katherine; his son Justin, wife Cassidy, and his three precious granddaughters, Brooklyn, Harper, and Tenley of Phoenix; his son Ryan, wife Kristyna, and beautiful new grandson, Winston, of Prague, CZ. Dennis is also survived by his five brothers, Louis and wife JoAnne of Unionville, CT; Philip and wife Linda of Jamestown, KY; Roger and wife Lynn of Prospect, CT; Mark and wife Eileen of Hebron, CT; James and wife Debra of East Hartford, CT; two sisters, Jeanne and Martin Roush of Gold Canyon, AZ; Anne and Burton Despard of New Hartford, CT; two sister-in-laws, Rita and Glenn Smoak of Port Charlotte, FL; Susan and Rob Szwed of Windsor, CT; many nieces, nephews, and countless extended family. Dennis is predeceased by his parents Gerard and Theresa (Ouellette); his parents-in-law Charles and Mary Mandirola; and his sister-in-law Karen Rabbett.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to the Dennis St. James Memorial Fund.
$7,885.00
total raised
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to the Dennis St. James Memorial Fund.
$7,885.00
total raised
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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Created with love by
Ryan St. James (Dennis's son).
