James Eugene DeHart

Palm Springs - James "Jim" Eugene DeHart passed away Christmas eve in Palm Springs, California due to complications of Covid-19. Jim was born in Akron, Ohio to Marion and Mary Jane DeHart February 24, 1939. Jim grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, graduating from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1957. After graduation he attended Kent State University where he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. While attending college Jim also worked at the A & P grocery store as a manager. He left A & P to work at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in Findlay, Ohio. Jim left there to work at Del Webb Enterprises based in Phoenix, Arizona finally being Chief Financial Officer. Jim left Del Webb to work for Bass International before semi-retiring to Yarnell, Arizona, where he and his partner, Robert Kemp opened a small antiques store. Jim & Robert loved antiques, paintings (especially western themed) and glassware. Finally moving to Palm Springs, they also dabbled in web enterprises. Both Jim & Robert enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends, including their longtime friends Doug & Judy Hall. After Robert's passing Jim got to enjoy their company in Costa Rica where they relocated.

Wherever Jim lived he always looked for a church to attend including those in Phoenix & Yarnell. In 2002 Jim joined the Palm Springs Presbyterian Church and quickly found a home. Jim became involved in all phases of the church. He followed his mother's love of music frequently doing solos along with singing in the choir. He loved cooking and baking for the church, cooking casseroles, turkey and ham dinners with lots of baked goods for after church. In his later years he spent much of his time caring for his partner of forty years, Robert Kemp, who had a debilitating disease waiting for a liver transplant. Jim lovingly cared for Robert until he passed away in 2018. Later he became a caregiver for several people as it helped him cope with Robert's passing.

Jim was preceded in death by his partner Robert Kemp, his father and mother, Marion and Mary Jane. He is survived by his brothers, Gary in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and Dan (Cyndi) in Fleming Island, Florida. He also has a niece, Jennifer and nephews, Chris and Jimmy along with many aunts, uncles and cousins, especially Elaine (Bay)Wood as they were inseparable growing up. He is now awaiting cremation by the Trident Society of Rancho Mirage, California.

A huge thank you with lots of love to the doctors and nurses of the ICU unit at the Desert Regional Medical Center for their kindness and compassion during Jim's final days. In lieu of other remembrances, memorials may be made to the Palm Springs Presbyterian Church.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James DeHart

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4 Entries

Lynn and Jim Hamilton

February 2, 2021

To Gary and Dan, and the entire extended family: My husband and I were friends of Jim through the Presbyterian church of Palm Springs over the last 6 years. Jim was, as you know, a stalwart member who did everything possible for the church. He was the first in, to open up, and start coffee, before services (and I've seen his list of what to do on that, for instruction of others--it's two pages, single-spaced!) He always greeted us--and everyone--with the warmest of smiles and a big hug. We had him over for Christmas dinner the year he lost his dear partner, Robert. There wasn't anything Jim wouldn't do for others--in fact, he loved and lived to help, it seems. I spoke with him by phone several times this summer, and I was touched that he helped a caregiver friend, spelling him, in assisting an elderly woman--and then, another caregiver role assisting an older gentleman, with whom he could find companionship. He enjoyed telling me about his days--coming to the man's house early to fix breakfast; reading and swapping newspapers in the AM, discussing the news; fixing lunch, and letting the man nap. Ginger, of course, came along. Isn't it wonderful to know he found such companionship these ways, as he helped some more, as he always did. Jim and I loved him, and so did many, many in the church. We are devastated to have lost him. What a wonderful, gentle man and gentleman he was. Our deepest sympathy to you all. P.S. He told me about getting together with his brothers--Florida, was it?--and how much he enjoyed that! Lynn and Jim Hamilton. [email protected]

February 2, 2021

So very sorry this terrible Covid Virus has taken your loved one and broken your hearts!
Please know I will keep James in prayer.

The Staff of Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home

January 28, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Stan Flanders

January 24, 2021

I knewm in Kent. I was a Sig Ep there. I don’t know if I knew him at Cuy Falls High. I graduated from Falls High in 1955. I had transferred from an Akron High School mid way through high school.
Sorry to hear of his passing.

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