JAMES R. DIMOND

DIMOND--James Rex, loving husband of Ellen Leddy-Dimond, passed away on March 22. Rex's favorite passtime was painting, and now he is painting brilliant night time stars. At thirteen, Rex was knocked out by polio. Determined to live a strong and purposeful life, he worked hard to build himself up, later becoming a medic and lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne. Completing the mandatory eleven paratrooper jumps, he went on to complete 23 jumps. He jokingly fantasized about writing a book called "From Polio to Paratrooper". After leaving the Airborne, he graduated from Cornell University with a degree in horticulture and floriculture. Rex was an avid painter and he had shows in major galleries. Rex was a James Joyce scholar and theater buff. His friends will recall his big heart, love for animals and his unique sense of humor. Over the past twenty years, he lived out his passion as a horticulturist, being surrounded by nature working for the New York City Parks Department. A few years ago, however, he developed Post Polio Syndrome. Often in pain, he never complained. He will be missed deeply by family, and friends and his beloved Dachshunds, Alexandria and Dylan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Jonas Salk Foundation for Polio Research. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, April 12 at 5pm. St. Peter's Church, 22 Barclay St. in Lower Manhattan (Between Church and Barclay St.).