John Knowles 'Jack' Dempsey, 78

Sept. 18, 1936 to Sept. 18, 2014

The Rev. Dr. John Knowles Dempsey, Ch. (Maj) USAF (ret), completed his ministry in this life on his 78th birthday, Sept. 18, surrounded by his family.

His was a life of joy and laughter and compassion.

Jack served 10 years in the Navy, aboard the Coral Sea. He left the Navy, went to seminary, and was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church serving parishes in Ritzville, Wash. and Wallace, Idaho. At that point he entered the Air Force as a chaplain, serving in Texas, Thailand, North Carolina, Germany and California.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Jack and Rose served as missionaries to Japan, where he pastored an English language parish on the island of Okinawa. Upon returning to the Diocese of Spokane, he served parishes in Spokane Valley, Wash. and Lewiston, Idaho.

Service to God and God's people was his life. Father Jack served his Lord, his country and God's people wherever he found them. He loved his wife and children. As his health declined, he settled happily into a pew at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, gratefully receiving the ministrations of this loving community.

He is survived by his cherished wife of 42 years, Rose; his children Tom (Kathy), Matt (Barbara), Kate (Stan Pederson), Louise (KC Calibo), Jim and Edward; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, at St. John Vianney Church, 503 N. Walnut Road, Spokane Valley, Wash.