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Beardstown High School

James Dorsey Obituary

BEARDSTOWN - Sgt. James Michael Dorsey, 23, of Beards- town died Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009, in Iraq.

He was born Aug. 18, 1985, in Beardstown, the son of James Lee and Cheryl Lea Savage Dorsey.

Surviving are his parents, James and Cheryl Dorsey of Beardstown; his paternal grandparents, James P. Dorsey and Dolly Dorsey, both of West Virginia; his maternal great-grandmother, Grace Vance of Beardstown; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sgt. Dorsey graduated from Beardstown High School in the Class of 2003.

He had actively served in the U.S. Army since April 2004 and was currently stationed in Iraq, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.

He enjoyed listening to music, playing the guitar and fishing.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, in Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown.

Memorials have been suggested to Beardstown United Way.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Feb. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Dorsey

66 Entries

Nathan Morris

August 11, 2018

I hope this message reaches Cheryl or James. My name is Nathan, I was deployed with James and was able to make it to his funeral, you guys remember I'm sure. I would like to get in touch with them to stop by and visit one weekend. If anyone reads this and has their contact info, would you ask them to give me a call. My number is 423-315-6704.

I still miss you James, I'm always thinking about you brother.

carrie kearns

May 24, 2015

Thinking of a childhood friend on this memorial day weekend. Continue to rest in peace.

Peggy Childers

February 10, 2013

To the family and friends of Spc. James M. Dorsey:
It has truly been my honor to sign James' guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that James will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

October 12, 2012

In memory of James Dorsey.

Peggy Childers

February 10, 2012

February 8, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. James M. Dorsey:
Always remembering James. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

February 8, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. James M. Dorsey:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

KALE INGRAM

October 27, 2010

JAMES HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN. HE GAVE HIS ALL SO THAT OUR NATION CAN REMAIN FREE.
EVERY TIME YOU SEE A SOLDIER PASS BY, SAY, THANK YOU SOLDIER, FOR SERVING THIS GREAT NATION! OFFER TO THAT SOLDIER YOU SEE BEFORE YOU, A MEAL, OR A RIDE. DO SO IN REMEMBRANCE OF JAMES DORSEY. A BRAVE AND GENEROUS YOUNG MAN WE REMEMBER, WE DO SO EVERY DAY.

Peggy Childers

February 8, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. James M. Dorsey:
Remembering James on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Donna Gillette

December 5, 2009

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

12/2005-12/2006 Iraq Deployment

SPC. Ryan T, McCartney

November 16, 2009

I served overseas with James during his first deployment. We we're in the same Squad in B Co 1/66. He was a great soldier and friend. My favorite memory of James was seeing him smile. No matter how mad he was or serious he was trying to be, I could always get a smile or a laugh out of him. We had lost touch after my ETS from active duty. I just recently learned of his passing and was deeply saddened. James was a great guy and always a joy to be around. He will not be forgotten.

Kenna Larra

November 10, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna

Shane Padden

June 30, 2009

Jimbo,

Think about you a lot man. I know how you hated to be called Jimbo but it always got a smile from ya. I think about the good times we had at Nathan's house, blasting Guitar Hero until the wee hours of Saturday mornings, sleeping till noon and getting up, only to do it again till Sunday morning. I know you'd be out of the Army now pursuing goals and achieving them with an effort only a new found freedom could warrant. I can only try to do the same in your memory knowing that life is too precious to waste. Miss you man.

Daniel Finn

June 21, 2009

Hello,
We have a Memorial Plaque in Memory of your beloved G.I. from the Military Order of the Purple Heart State of IL. If you could contact us we would be Honored to deliver it by USPS to the address you provide?
www.MOPH-IL.org
[email protected]
Respectfully,
Commander State of IL. MOPH Daniel T Finn

Kenna Larra

May 14, 2009

“Honor and Remember” – [email protected] / www.heropaintings.com. Please know that you are not alone when you grieve for our fallen heroes.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Kenna

Gary Tolle

April 19, 2009

James, god bless you soldier and thank you for your service to a grateful nation, forever we will mourn you and all of our fallen heroes both before and after you. On 5/6/08 my nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward was killed in action in Iraq while on a routine patrol. My promise to him was that I would never forget him but also those fallen before and after him. When I made that promise to him the day we laid him to his final resting place I did not realize how often I would need to make entries on Legacy and it just breaks my heart knowing that so many other families have and will continue to feel the pain that our family has endured. Since the loss of my nephew I have written on every single legacy page of every fallen soldier and included a photo of my nephew. I encourage you to do the same to Aaron's page. I have done this to honor my nephew but to let you know James is not alone and my nephew is with him and they are now in God's gracious hands waiting for us to join them one day. Dorsey family from the bottom of my heart please except my sincere condolences and may the memories of your Hero carry you through each day for he will never be forgotten!

Gary Allain

April 7, 2009

SPC. JAMES M. DORSEY
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever

Krista Sieger

March 15, 2009

My heartfelt condolences to you! Know that James was a hero who will never be forgotten.
Our son, Cpl. Eric Sieger, 18, was killed February 1st, 2007, in Iraq. In his honor and all the other soldiers who gave their life, I am compiling stories of these soldiers and their families, to be bound into a book, titled KI-Our Stories. If you are interested to have your soldier's story in this book, please give me following information: Date of birth, KIA-date, short biography, motivation to join the military, the last farewell, the last contact, and then - the message! - And how does the family now handle the loss. If you like to send pictures with it, you are welcome to do so.

Krista Sieger

March 15, 2009

My heartfelt condolences to you! Know that James was a hero who will never be forgotten.
Our son, Cpl. Eric Sieger, 18, was killed February 1st, 2007, in Iraq. In his honor and all the other soldiers who gave their life, I am compiling stories of these soldiers and their families, to be bound into a book, titled KIA-Our Stories. If you are interested to have your soldier's story in this book, please give me following information: Date of birth, KIA-date, short biography, motivation to join the military, the last farewell, the last contact, and then - the message! - And how does the family now handle the loss. If you like to send pictures with it, you are welcome to do so.

Stephanie Rafoss

March 12, 2009

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Christopher Haubrich, SSG

February 28, 2009

You do not know me, nor did I know SPC. Dorsey. But I had the unbelievable honor to be a pallbearer and a member of the firing squad at his funeral. I just want to send my condolences to the family for their loss. And I only hope that we did everything we could do to make the journey to his resting place one that will be remembered and honored as his service should be. “Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.” Again I am sorry for your loss, but his ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

MacDaniel

February 20, 2009

To the Dorsey family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold James' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Carroll R. Michaud, USAF Ret'd

February 19, 2009

Final Roll Call

Did you hear the sad news today?
A brave American Soldier, SPC. James M. Dorsey has passed away.
Called by the Supreme Commander over all.
Today he has made his final roll call.

Come fellow Warriors; let us reverently bow and pray
For our valiant comrade, who has fallen this day.
We’ll drape his casket with a banner of beautiful hues,
Those glorious American colors: red, white and blue.

That star spangled banner he gallantly fought to defend,
Unyielding and undaunted, he fought to win.
He fought bravely and he passed the battle test.
Now the Supreme Commander grants him, “eternal rest”.

With dignity and honor, we’ll commit his body to the ground,
The bugler will sound “Taps” and we’ll fire the volley rounds.
The final military honors we’ll render somberly and ever so sadly;
“Old Glory” we’ll solemnly precisely fold and reverently give to his family.

Each Memorial Day we will recall James M. Dorsey’s name,
And attest that his supreme sacrifice was not in vain;
For this lasting legacy he gave to all generations;
“It’s honorable to respect our flag and to defend our great nation.”

So close ranks fellow warriors, for our ranks are thinning.
We must keep on fighting and keep on winning.
With pride and honor we’ll march and stand tall,
And we’ll proudly - proudly - salute “Old Glory”
‘til we too make our final roll call.

Farewell SPC. James M. Dorsey - Be At Ease; Rest In Peace

Judith & Leo Savage

February 19, 2009

We are Jimmy's great-aunt and uncle. We were blessed to have this outstanding young man in our lives. Our hearts are broken for his parents.

Sharon Speaks

February 19, 2009

I am a friend of Jimmy's Aunt Judith and Uncle Leo. My sincerest condolences to the family of Jimmy for there is no greater loss than that of a child.

Penny & J.T. Savage

February 17, 2009

Cheryl and Jim, even though we are family, we are friends also. You should be very proud of Jimmy. We are very sorry for your loss and love you both dearly.

pamela fox

February 17, 2009

I am so sincerely sorry for the loss of your son. As a mother I can not imagine your pain. You should be very proud that he became a soldier, and enables us to live with freedom.

February 17, 2009

May God Bless you James Dorsey! Thank you for your service.

Rita Holman

February 16, 2009

Be thou at rest, James Michael Dorsey. I truly appreciate your service to our country. To his parents, I am so sorry for your devastating loss of your precious son. You are in my prayers for God's presence and peace.

Mary

February 16, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hold on tight to your memories of your son and lean on family and friends for comfort. God bless you.

Mayor Bob Walters

February 15, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Chris R

February 15, 2009

Although I did not know James I want to thank him and his family for the ultimate sacrifice for his country. There is a special place in heaven for men like him. May God give you peace during this time of sorrow.

melisa

February 15, 2009

I am terribly sorry for your loss our soldiers are the true heros of our country. God Bless you in your time of grieving..

Monica Grant

February 15, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Sonja Rogers

February 14, 2009

My condoleces to the family and friends of SPC James M. Dorsey.He is a true Hero and shall never be forgotten.May he rest in peace now for a job well done.
IL.Soldiers Angel

February 14, 2009

Jim, we are sorry to here about the loss of your son. are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and we are proud of your son.

Kenny and Mary Sergent Divernon,Il.

Carolyn Sue Hall

February 14, 2009

I am family of Spc. James M. Dorsey and will send this to his Mom and Dad, thanks to all of you for taking the time to write in this book

Kerin Hearn

February 14, 2009

My deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. My son is in the Navy and I can't imagine what you're going through now. Please remember you're not grieving alone, others feel your pain. Without brave men like Spc James Dorsey, we would not have the freedom we enjoy every day. I feel it's my duty now to pay respect to this fallen hero. God bless you in your time of need and bring you peace.

Henryk Zaleski USN (Ret)

February 14, 2009

Rest in peace.

Cindi (Wilcox) Barron

February 13, 2009

Cheryl and family, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

Cindi

Cindy Huxtable

February 13, 2009

Thank god for people like James that serve their country.

dawn craigmiles

February 13, 2009

we are sorry for your lost and are salutes are with you all and u are in our prayers and god bless always dawn and aaron

U.S. Army Specialist James M. Dorsey

February 13, 2009

Cassie Rodgers

February 13, 2009

God bless the Dorsey family and all those who have lost loved ones in service to our country.

Jeannie Tolle

February 13, 2009

I am so sorry another family has to go through this. I pray your memories of James bring you comfort and in time ease your pain. We lost our grandson 5/6/08 in Iraq and sometimes my heart aches so much. May God Bless all of you. Remember that he is an American Hero and will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace young man.
In loving memory of our Grandson
Pfc. Aaron J. Ward
4/28/89 - 5/6/08 KIA Anbar, Iraq

Cynthia Pierce

February 13, 2009

My heart goes out to your family. I know what you are going through. It's been less the a year that we got the knock at the door. you all will be in our prays.

Cynthia Pierce
Sister of MSG Davy N. Weaver (KIA 5/18/08)
www.guardiansoldiers.com

Ssgt & Mrs LaRoe

February 13, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Soldiers are angels on earth and in heaven. God bless

angela sally

February 13, 2009

I do not know you, but I am so sorry for your loss. I thanks soldiers like your son everyday for fighting for us. I am so sorry this has happened. May God bless you.

Rosie

February 13, 2009

Thank You for your service. God bless this family. You are in my prayers.

jill thomas

February 13, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Susan Hurt

February 13, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rose Connolly

February 13, 2009

My condolences to the family of Specialist Dorsey. I appreciate all of his contributions to our country and may there be a special place for him in heaven.

James Dorsey

February 13, 2009

Sandy Bonesteel

February 13, 2009

The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces hold a very special place in my heart. May the family of Spc. James M. Dorsey know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of others.

Scott

February 12, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Jame's passing. He was very dedicated to this country and only wanted to see it become a safer place to live. May you find comfort in God's promise to bring an end to all our suffering and eventually turn the whole earth into a peaceful paradise.

(Luke 23:42-43) “And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.”

(Isaiah 2:4) “... And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war.”

Kevin Gibbons

February 12, 2009

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Safely Home

Michael Iezzi

February 12, 2009

Father we entrust our brother James to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold James in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

Shelley H - Blue Star Mom

February 12, 2009

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank SPC James Dorsey for his service and sacrifice to this grateful country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Peggy Childers

February 12, 2009

To the family of Spc. James M. Dorsey:
James gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Gale Poindexter

February 11, 2009

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Spc James M Dorsey. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.myspace.com/tulsaok1nurse

Garnet Jenkins

February 11, 2009

In Humble Thanks, to this Brave Young Soldier, who has lost his life, while in the Service of our Country, With so much gratitude for his Courage, and his Unselfish Dedication and Service.

Rest Safely now, Spc. James M. Dorsey, in the Hands of God and may the Peace of God be with your loving family.
Those who Make these Sacrifices, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them, Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

I am sincerely hoping that you feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Grateful Country morns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a True American Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your Loss.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

February 11, 2009

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Spc. James M. Dorsey our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for James. And to James it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Iraq. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. James, you are a brave Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,409 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to James’ family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Sandy Bonesteel

February 11, 2009

The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces hold a very special place in my heart. May the family of Spc. James M. Dorsey know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of others.

Carrissa Anthony

February 11, 2009

As the mom of a fallen hero, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief and sorrow. Just know that he is with you always.

Carrissa (Pruitt) Anthony
In Loving Memory of
PFC Allen "Fuzzy" Jaynes
KIA 1/20/07

Vickie Turner-Garrison

February 10, 2009

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all who loved James...Heroes never die they live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved them...I will never forget the sacrifice James made for this country...God Bless

Soldier Mom
Aunt to a Hero
PFC. Ricky Lee Turner
KIA 1-16-09
Proud American

Debra Foster

February 10, 2009

To the family of SPC Dorsey,

My deepest condolences on your loss. My son is a medic with the 1-66 AR and knew James personally. We are greatly saddened by his passing and pray that fond memories will bring you comfort during this difficult time.

The Lord bless and keep you, and give you peace.

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