Maj. James W. Dennehy, Esquire, age 47, died Wednesday, August 24, 2011, from natural causes. He was on active duty while attending advanced military legal education at the Judge Advocate General's Legal Center in Charlottesville, Va.

Maj. Dennehy first entered service for his country in 1992 with the United States Coast Guard. He then served as a Milford police officer while completing his degree in Criminal Justice from St. Anselm's College. Following the September 11, 2001, attack on America, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Reserves.

After graduating from New England School of Law with distinction, he served as a an assistant United States attorney with the United States Attorney's Office in Concord, and thereafter as a select member of the Department of Homeland Security in the state of New York. Maj. Dennehy returned to his native New Hampshire and opened a private practice law firm serving Nashua, Manchester and Concord.

In 2009, Maj. Dennehy joined the New Hampshire Army National Guard as a JAG officer. Then in 2010, he deployed with New Hampshire's 197th Fires Brigade in support of Operation New Dawn. Maj. Dennehy held the position of Brigade Judge Advocate General. He served as chief legal advisor for the brigade, consisting of more than 2,600 soldiers who supported a theater security forces mission throughout Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, Maj. Dennehy suffered deep vein thrombosis leading to his death, which was likely caused by his flight home from Kuwait.

Maj. Dennehy's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Lisa Dennehy, Esquire; twelve children, Amanda J. Vicinanzo and her husband Joseph Vicinanzo, Spc. Mathew J., Hannah D., Tierney R., Mary T., Colleen G., Katherine M., Michael M., Joseph F., Brighid C., Abigail A., and Madeleine C. Dennehy; his father, Donald J. Dennehy; his mother, Jacquelyn VanGelder; one sister, Joan Gowell and her husband Lawrence; two brothers, John W. Dennehy, Esquire and his wife Melinda, and Donald H. Dennehy.

Visiting hours will be private.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, September 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cathedral, 145 Lowell St, Manchester.

Donations may be made to The Major James W. Dennehy Esquire Foundation. For information, go to facebook.com/MajorDennehyFoundation.

The Waters Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Published by Concord Monitor from Aug. 28 to Aug. 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Dennehy

14 Entries

Amy B

September 14, 2011

I just got word of his passing. So shocked. He was my court appointed attorney before being called to service overseas in 2010... My heart and prayers go out to the family! God Bless.

Sean O'Marcaigh

September 2, 2011

Peace to him, and his family ~ Ar dheis De go raibh a anam

August 31, 2011

Lisa and family, The Butler family send sincere love and deepest sympathy to you and yours jimmy was a great stepbrother and friend to all of us here in Lynn,Mass. Our late mother Ruthie Dennehy loved him so and felt very proud of him. We are sorry for this loss Nancy Healy

Brenda Eveleth

August 31, 2011

Dear Niece,I got the news late on Sunday. I couldn't comprehend,,, as you'd just lost your Dad(my brother) a short time ago! Life is a precious gift to us all,but we just need to draw family closer.God Bless you and the children! I wish I knew Jim better than I did. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. Love Aunty B

Shirley Splaine

August 31, 2011

I was devastated to hear this sad news this morning on Channel 9 and send my deepest sympathy, prayers, and love to you all.

Steven Westland

August 31, 2011

Lisa, You are in our Prayers.
Steven and Nancy Westland

Michele Harley

August 31, 2011

Lisa, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I have known you and Jim forever and cannot express enough how deeply sorry I am for your loss.

Irene Rousseau

August 29, 2011

This candle is lit in your Honor Jim as to bring light out of darkness for your Wife (my daughter)and your children.

Tim Goulden

August 29, 2011

I am very sorry for your loss.

Dawn Platte

August 28, 2011

I have often heard the greatest testimony a man can leave is his children. If you meet the Dennehy children you could only conclude that this truly was a remarkable man. So sorry they all don't have the chance to have him toast them at their weddings.

Lori Brown Davis and family

August 28, 2011

Lisa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Craig Saltmarsh

August 28, 2011

My deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. James and I attended the N.H. Police Academy together. We were often able to share some light moments and memories together as we worked different sides of the law in Merrimack County.
James' dedication to his family, our citizens, and to our country will not be forgotten. You will be missed.

Mary Seymour

August 28, 2011

I work in the Superior Court as a Court Monitor, taking the record. I was always impressed by Jim Dennehy, a really good attorney. I was concerned when I learned he went to Kuwait. So sorry for the loss of a great individual.

The Entire Staff of Waters Funeral Home

August 27, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

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