James ‘Jimmy’ Peter Dennis, Sr.

James Peter Dennis, Sr., 77 of Wabasha, passed away Friday, June 28, 2024, at Gundersen – St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Wabasha, MN.
James “Jimmy” was born April 11, 1947, in Milwaukee, WI to Helen (Novak) and Raymond Dennis. He attended Riverside High School, Milwaukee before joining the United States Army. He enlisted at the very early stages of the Vietnam War. So, when he was discharged and came home to Milwaukee, he found an abundance of available jobs.
Jimmy worked various jobs in his lifetime. He started his working history as a Milwaukee Journal Newspaper delivery boy. It was his first job and a way in which he met some childhood friends. While working at the Crucible Steel Plant in blistering hot conditions, he saw an ad for an opening at General Electric (GE) as a glass blower. He knew nothing about ‘glass blowing’ but he knew a job in an air-conditioned setting seemed like a good idea. He worked for GE as one of the premiere workers. In fact, when Jack Walsh, CEO of GE, came to visit and bring his guests, he always requested that Jimmy do the demonstrations for the visitors. He retired at the age of 55 having worked there for 35 years.
Jimmy and Barbara moved to Wabasha 24 years ago. This work ethic he acquired and was proud of translated into volunteerism and giving to the community. Jake Abbott was our neighbor and got Jimmy interested in being a Guardian Angel at St. Elizabeth and driving people from the Health Care Center to outings. He avidly donated food to our Food Shelf and gave school supplies annually to St. Felix School.
He loved to fish, bowl, play golf, play pool and collect various things. He was an avid rummager, antique, and thrift store shopper. He was a huge follower of the Grateful Dead and went to many of their concerts. His other passion was being a Cat Daddy to various cats, especially Jack, Taz and Rex.
Jimmy was immensely proud of his being a veteran in his service to our country and the camaraderie he had with fellow Vets. He frequented Wabasha VFW Post, where he enjoyed arguing about politics and the Packers. He was a lifelong Democrat and defender of the Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. I’m sure his banter will be missed, but also his humor and generosity. Thank all of you who loved him for having a rough exterior…but, a heart of gold.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Barbara; children: Tracy Dennis and James (Karen Wenzel) Dennis Jr., and grandchildren: Adelyn and Dylan. He is also survived by many members of the community. The children of Bob and Mary Blair are his second cousins. He is also survived by first cousins from his mother’s family who live in the Milwaukee area.
He was preceded by his parents and infant brother, Allen Dennis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at St. Felix Catholic Church, Wabasha with Rev Prince Raja officiating. Interment will be at St. Felix Cemetery, Wabasha with military honors provided by Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post 4086 and Wabasha American Legion Post 50.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha and beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory, Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com