James "Demps" Dempsey, age 84, of Elkhorn, WI, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025. He was born on August 29, 1940, the son of the late William and Norma (Schober) Dempsey. Jim was united in marriage to his loving wife, Eileen, on August 15, 1964, in Fort Atkinson, WI. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in August of 2024. Together they raised a loving family and built a beautiful life - which was made whole by their two children that they adopted and enhanced by the 7 children they fostered.

While his "day job" was working for Wisconsin Southern (eventually WE energies) Gas Company, Jim's dedication to farming was his lifelong passion. It reflected his deep roots and respect for the land and the hard work it required. It wasn't just a profession for him; it was a calling that shaped his strong work ethic and connection to God's creation. He spent many seasons on tractors, grinding feed for the beef cows, or his personal favorite, caring for the pigs on his farrow to finish operation.

A long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Jim was first and foremost a strong, godly man. His deep faith was the wellspring of his remarkable character, particularly his profound generosity with both his time and his resources. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer wise counsel, or support those in need. Prior to his heart surgery, he was also a regular blood donor with the Red Cross, donating more than 36 units of blood!

Beyond his dedication to farming and his faith, Jim loved fishing and his Wisconsin sports. He was a devoted fan, and owner, of the Green Bay Packers and never missed a Milwaukee Brewers game. He cherished trips to the cabin with his family and was affectionately known as the "fix it" man, always finding purpose in hard work and staying busy. Jim will forever be remembered as a very loving, caring, and great husband, father, and Opa. He will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Eileen; children, Diane Watson and Bill Dempsey; grandchildren, Emily, Ethan, Elizabeth, Elivia, Eleah, Elijah, Elliott, Nathan and Dane and great grandchild, Aden.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, William and Norma Dempsey; siblings, Harry Dempsey and Martha Bendig, and granddaughter, Erin.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 920 Co Trunk H, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, at 12:00PM. A visitation will take place on the same day, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at church. Entombment will take place at Roselawn Memory Gardens, N3045 Wi-67, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Dempsey family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com

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