John "Jack" Dempsey

I remember Professor Dempsey with great respect. I was fortunate to take Light on Dark, Dark on Light and Composition in his UAH studio circa 1971, vividly remember his assessments of our assignments, and will never forget one of his "surprise" studio exercises which dealt with applying heaviest shading over densest volume of the object being studied that day. Never before. And never since.

Jack was an inspiration, and a mentor to me in college. I will never forget all the things he taught me, life lessons included. He will be missed by many. My sympathies to family and friends.

I did not have the good fortune to meet Mr. Dempsey. He was a mentor and to some degree a father fiqure for my brother, Jim Donaldson, who in turn became acquainted with Mr. Dempsey's family. It was Mr. Dempsey who introduced my brother to the Beatles' album, "Abbey Road". Jim said that Jack played the album so much that he(my brother) had it memorized after a few visits. We would have gotten alone very well. Give 'em Art Jack!
I offer my heartfelt condolences and support to Jack's...

This is such an unnecessary loss for his family and for the community. Jack and his art students form a big part of my memories of UAH in the 60's when I was there. My condolences to his children and to Allyson.

Jack was a special gift to each of us who knew him. Huntsville was privileged to have benefited from his teaching, giving and friendship. His loss is a great one for our community.

For those of us fortunate enough to have studied art with him, he will be thought of whenever we pick up a paint brush. Especially if we are breaking one of his 'rules'. His knowledge was incredible on every level.

My greatest sympathy to his family. If students and friends are so...

All our love to you, Millie, David, Peg and Allyson.

I had a few classes with Jack, but my contact extended beyond college. I was in touch with him off and on over the years. I attended some poetry events which Jack also attended. He was definitely an influence on my life, and I will miss the opportunity to see him, and have him call me "Podner", "Hoss", or "Noo Noo Head."

I guess I will have to say that to myself now. :-)

My thoughts are with his friends, family, and the thousands whose lives he touched.
...

Allison and children,
I can't believe that this has happened. Jack was one of the storngest influences on my art and my life. I am assisting artists today because of him. May we never forget him.

Jack and I were members of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee for the past several years. He always had a smile and a hug and words of encouragement for me every time we saw each other. I will miss him more than words can express. I am so grateful that we always told each other "I love you"
every time we parted. Jack, I love you.