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In memory of
James "Jim" Theodore Dehn Sr.
October 24, 1930 - February 11, 2021
Oct 24, 1930 - Feb 11, 2021
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James's obituary
Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY to Anna J. McMahon Dehn and Joseph W. Dehn, Sr. on October 24, 1930. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Joseph W. Jr. and Anne Dehn MacDonald.
Jim spent most of his childhood in Great Neck, Long Island, NY. He was raised with a strong Catholic faith and passion for knowledge and education. His mission as a lifelong learner began with the start of his Jesuit education at Xavier High School in Manhattan. After graduation, Jim entered the Jesuit seminary (Society of Jesus) at St. Andrew's on the Hudson. Following his years of formation, he studied at Bellarmine College (Plattsburg, NY), where he obtained master degrees in both philosophy and education (1955). As a Catholic Jesuit he served many communities as a theological scholar and educator and in1955 he was sent to the Philippines on a 2 year mission where he served as high school math teacher and basketball coach to the students at Ateneo de Naga.
Jim continued his studies at Woodstock College in Maryland, the nation’s oldest Jesuit seminary, earning a Masters in Theology. His desire was to become a physician, but that was not a field of study permitted by the Jesuit Order, so he went on to pursue higher education at Georgetown University where he earned his Doctorate in Physics. Following graduation he taught physics at St. Peter’s College in New Jersey. As active supporters of social justice, he and his Jesuit brothers joined Martin Luther King in the 1963 March on Washington.
Jim loved his time in the Jesuits, but after a 17-year journey of education and service, he felt a need to follow a new calling. He left the order in 1965 to start a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Materials Research Lab at Penn State University. This is where he met his beloved Rosemary in 1967. They married in 1968 and moved to Harford County, Maryland where Jim worked as a dedicated research physicist at Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG). Over his distinguished 30-year career at APG, he was cited for many honors and awards for his contributions to scientific research. He was inducted into the Ballistic Research Fellows at APG, an organization that recognizes technical excellence and individual contributions to science. He presented research nationally and internationally, on one occasion as part of an ambassador of science exchange to Russia.
Jim loved his family and counted them among his greatest accomplishments and blessings. He also dearly loved his many friends, especially those in Jim and Rosemary’s Marriage Encounter Circle, many neighbors in Bel Air and Havre de Grace, and church friends from St. Margaret’s (Bel Air, MD) and St. Patrick’s (Havre de Grace) parishes.
Among many things, Jim enjoyed being on the water, traveling, crossword puzzles and chocolate. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family, laughing, learning, and was never shy with affection. He was a man of deep faith and reflection who embraced science, critical thinking, and positive change in the world.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Guenot Dehn; sister, Mary Dehn VanDessel; children, Danielle D. “Dede” Matrangola, James T. Dehn, Jr., Augusten “Mickey” Dehn, and their spouses; five grandchildren (Kaytin, Hannah, John, Chloe and Teddy) and many others who love him deeply.
A dedicated scientist and educator, Jim donated his remains to The Anatomy Board of Maryland where his corporeal gift will be used for medical research and education. A celebration of life will be announced at a future date.
Contributions honoring Jim Dehn can be made to:
The James Dehn Sr. Memorial Fund which will be supporting 3 charities: St. Patricks Education Fund, Loyola Evergreen Scholarship Endowment and Gilchrist Hospice.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to James T. Dehn Sr. Memorial Fund.
$3,200.00
total raised
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to James T. Dehn Sr. Memorial Fund.
$3,200.00
total raised
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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Created with love by
Dede Dehn Matrangola (James's daughter),
Rosemary Dehn (James's wife),
Mickey Dehn (James's son) and
James Jr Dehn (James's son).
