James R. Damp Jr.

Just this afternoon I discovered Jimmy had gone on to his reward. We were the best of friends as children and I lost contact with him when my family moved to Monroeville. I was just searching for old friends on facebook only to discover he had past. I was though delighted to see he spent his life in sports, that's all we did as kids.

I am so sorry to just find out about Jim's passing. He was fun to work with and always had that twinkle in his eyes. My deepest sympathy to Beth and family.

Dear Beth
I am sorry to hear of Jims passing. I will keep you in my prayers. i will always remember the time some kid was saying he was going to the nhl. jim told him to look in the phone book .He said do you see a nhl player from monroeville? it doesnt happen.
When R. J. Umberger made it to the NHL(he is from Plum) I had to call him. He knew i was going to call him. We laughed. I will always carry that with me. It is a good memory.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Micky Catone

Jimmy
You were always my "protector" and 41 years later I hated it still, I wish you could have protected me longer but I know you are watching over all of us in heaven. I will forever miss the first e-mail I always received on my birthday. Our kids will definitely miss Uncle Phred but will always cherish the fact that you just were here visiting. I know for an absolute fact that when God took you - "you went exactly the right way" Don and I will be here for Beth and the kids forever. I miss you, I love you....
The Cutest One
Your sister

Dear Beth, Patrick and Sarah,
I am at a complete loss for the proper words but then again, I guess there are no words that will take the pain away, only help..MAYBE in some way.
Beth, you and Jim put your faith and trust in me to take care of your very first PRIDE AND JOY, when he was born.
Patrick was a blessing to US as well and we always felt like he was our first grandson. We thoroughly enjoyed having both of your children every day for about 13 years total. So many laughs did they provide us over the years and we couldn't wait to tell you or Jim what they did that day.
We always felt honored when you would have the kids birthday parties at your house and only invite immediate "family" and WE were there every time.
Jim always made me laugh with his "evaluations" of different situations. He was a wonderful husband to you Beth and an excellent father. It was "SO OBVIOUS" as to the love he had for you and his children.
He didn't hide his love like some men do. I remember when Patrick started hockey and how he would be giving him instructions at our house and Timmy was listening intently. I believe he picked up a few good pointers that day.
Timmy enjoyed playing hockey with Jim and I always felt safe when I knew he was with Jim playing hockey.
I can't describe what I feel with his loss. The closest is like losing another brother, (the father of our first 2 grandchildren).
When Jim had his open-heart surgery, I can remember keeping Patrick at our house and HE was so PROUD to have a little sister. Most little ones at that age would have wanted a brother. I STILL see that pride that Patrick displayed at the age of 3 1/2! There is no doubt he loves his sister and is as proud today as he was back then. That is a testimony as to how well his own parents raised him. But the pride continues from Sarah to Patrick. She is JUST AS PROUD OF HIM. I just LOVE to see that in siblings, especially at their ages. They are a true example of what a loving family should be.
I know that Jim is so proud looking down on all of you and thanking God for the time he spent here with you.
He knows how strong you all have been and he is smiling from ear to ear with pride. He knew it was OK to go because he has left behind what many men can only HOPE to do but won't be able to.
To all of you...We are here WHENEVER you need us, (as family should be). You know the number, you know the address.
Sarah, we are your "after-school" buddies. Your Mom can pick you up after work and you two can have dinner with us before you go home.
Looking forward to spending more time with you.
Don't forget! We WILL walk!!!!!!
I love you guys just like my own.
My heart is broken and time will heal us all.
Love,
Peggy and Harry (B.A.)

I’ve never believed that any word was strong and/or meaningful enough to describe a feeling. What word is appropriate enough to describe the pain you feel over the loss of a loved one? Jim was a person who left people happier than they were when he found them. Whether it was a funny joke, a quote, or a brain teaser, every encounter with Jim ended in a laugh. Maybe I am, as he called me, an “easy audience”. And while I cannot describe the happiness I felt at work when he was around, I also cannot describe the pain that I feel now that he is gone. There wasn’t a time that Jim walked past my desk and didn’t make me laugh. He would leave things on my desk to make me laugh or send me e-mails to brighten my day. I still sit at my desk and wait for him to walk by and make me laugh. While I know that will not be happening anymore, I do know that I am blessed to have worked with such a great person and I am grateful for all of the memories I have to hold on to forever. My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Jim. The family who he was so proud of and loved so deeply. Rest in peace, Jim; and I’ll continue to “Go For The Gold”

"The Broken Chain"

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone;

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home,

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide;

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same;

But as God calls us one by one,

THE CHAIN WILL LINK AGAIN!

In Memory Of Jim Damp "Papa Dawg"

Beth, Patrick, Sarah and Family....
You know we love you and are here for you any time. Day or Night! You all remain in our thoughts and prayers!
Vince, Lisa and Brian Sciulli

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Damp family.

Jimmy Damp, "JD", Dampster","Damper" was always fun to be around.

He and I worked together as teenagers at the Penn Aqua Club. I worked the snack bar and somehow he managed to teach me how to hose down the rest rooms before swim practice. Think he rewrote my job desription as one of his earliest writing assignments. Always a leader, and great announcer.

Jimmy was also a good friend to my brother Scott. We have been separated by years and miles, but the memories will always be good ones.

Lauren (Lancaster) Procko

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back and until we meet again may god hold you in the palm of his hand.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee ain't no finer than Irish JD.

You inspire me!

Your Little Brother,
Dennis

Beth and Family,
I was shocked to hear of Jim's passing. I only met Jim a few times, but after reading the tributes to him, it is obvious what a positive impact he had on so many people. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss, and may the memories of Jim and the lives he touched provide some comfort to you and your family.

I am truly blessed to have had Jim as a brother in law for the past 22 years. I will miss him at our family functions and on the golf course. I am so glad we all went to Hilton Head last year. I am also glad we took that family picture on the beach.
Patrick and Sarah your dad was so proud of you guys.
Beth he truly loved you.

I told Jimmy in my prayers that I would always be there for you guys.

We will miss the best quotes in the PIHL!

Dear Beth, Patrick and Sarah,

I was so sorry to hear about Jim. He was my first cousin and I remember when he was born. It was Aunt Helen's first child and we were all so excited. He was such a beautiful and sweet little boy. I remember him mostly as a child but I know he was a wonderful man, father and husband because he comes from a wonderful family. I hope I can meet all of you one day. My deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you. Love, Kathy Surgenor (H.B., Calif.)

I had the pleasure of learning and maturing as a hockey player and young man during his first two years as coach of the Fox Chapel Foxes. Enduring two grueling seasons, ending with late round playoff losses, Coach always had a way of spinning things for the better, and bringing a smile to our faces with his quick wit and often hilarious one liners. It is a tremendous loss for the Fox Chapel community and for everyone who had the pleasure of playing under his guidance. God bless Coach Damp, his family, and all that he touched.

To the family and friends of Jim Damp:

Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Coach Damp. Our boys always knew they were in for a battle when they saw Franklin Regional or Fox Chapel on our high school schedule at the start of each new season. And those that thought they'd get a break from him at the amatuer level were sadly mistaken since he brought that same fire and passion to every game he coached for the Allegheny Badgers.

Our players, parents, alumni, and administrators are truly saddened by the loss of such a great man. We know he walks with the Lord.

Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School

Co-workers seldom become good friends; even less often do they become heroes, people you admire deeply for the way they live their lives and bring joy, inspiration and comfort to those around them.

I was honored--blessed, really--to work with Jim for four years. I don't have hockey stories, or baseball stories, or golf stories about Jim to share. The stories I do have are set in the office: writers' meetings and having lunch in the Gateway Cafe, passing in the halls ("Salute the office, not the man!") and bull sessions in the writers' room. ("When I become a star of stage and screen, I'm changing my name to Zapf Dingbats.") The stories I do have, now that the desk next to mine is empty, are memories I will always treasure.

Many hearts were broken by Jim's passing, none more than Beth's, Patrick's and Sarah's. Thank you for sharing Jim with us. We give back to you our prayers and the sure knowledge that Jim will live on in every single person he met.

Cindy and I will miss Jim very much.

"Say one for me, bud."

Beth, Patrick and Sarah,

Please accept our sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. His memories will live on in your hearts forever. I'm hoping God will ease your pain

My condolences to the entire Damp family. The Damper was a childhood friend since the time we were drafted on the same Little League team and played on the Yankees for three years. We hung out on Marose Drive many summer nights after Penn Aqua closed with other friends and we went together to Ocean City, NJ by Greyhound bus the summer after high school graduation. To paraphrase one of his Father's favorite sayings it was "a slice of heaven" to be Jim's friend.

Rest in Peace my Irish friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family and friends. As has been said countless times here already, Jim touched all of us in the Hockey Community. We will miss him and his sport here will miss him. We know he will have an energetic and fun team playing for him in Heaven. Till we meet again, Friend.
Shaun & Kevin Keller
Patrick Jeffries, Dave Roberts, Donna Goodwin, Ron Sakolsky

Beth, Patrick, and Sara,
Loss is all too familiar to our family as you know, so I understand that there are no words that can take away the sadness you are feeling. Jim was such an important part of the Levine Family and such an important person in Ben and Steve's life. He was loved and will be greatly missed. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Rest in peace Jim. It was a pleasure to know you. The hockey community has lost a great person.

Dear Sarah,
My heart is sad for you, your Mom and Patrick.

Love,
Mrs. Custer

Beth, Patrick, and Sarah,

For over 30 years, I knew him, I laughed with with him, and now I'll miss him. Jim was truly a friend to all amateur hockey, and I'm proud to say a friend of mine. Heaven requested a Hockey Coach, and Jim Damp is now behind the bench.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Damp family. I am very sorry for your loss. Although I didn't know Jim for very long, he was well liked and respected among his community, family and co-workers.

-Darcy Otto, Lexington, SC

Dear Beth, Patrick & Sarah -

We are so sorry to hear of your loss - please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Carol, Katie & Bailey Schwendeman

My thoughts and prayers are with the Damp family. I was lucky to have played along side of Jim, and even luckier to have known him. I will forever remember "Brass Bonanza" and think of Jimmy. The Morning League will not be the same without him.

I am good friends of Dennis and Pat. My son Taylor and I would like to send our condolences to the Damp family. I did not know Jim personally but if he was anything like Dennis I am quite sure he was well liked and respected by many in your community! It sounds like he was to hockey what Dennis is to volleyball. A true winner!
Tom Gustafson, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Beth, Patrick & Sarah,

Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We were totally shocked when we received the call about Damp. He will be missed deeply by all. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Karen, Charlie & Kristina McClelland

I worked with Jimmy D for a year and a half at Dorrance Publishing in Pittsburgh. We were the only 2 people on the second floor and the only 2 people working on the same job, so I grew quite close to him. I have since retired and moved to the Philippines w/ my wife, but I will always remember Jim and his perpetually upbeat attitude. The world is poorer for his passing.

My deepest sympathies to Jim's Family. He will be greatly missed at E.R. Munro. He was a fellow Penn Hillian and a wonderful man who gave so much to the hockey community. I was blessed to have known him.

With deepest sympathies. Jim was a great man, a real gentleman. It was great to have him on the staff at the builder's association.

Sorry to Hear about "COACH" you have my sympathy.
I can see Jim standing at the gates of heaven,with St Peter and God, and God saying to St Peter " IS THIS THE SMALL GUY THAT CARRIES A BIG STICK..... THE IMPACT PLAYER", St Pete says "YES IT IS", God Sez..... "COME IN MY SON".

I hope I can get on his team someday,

Jim and I once heard Crash Test Dummies lead singer Brad Roberts sing a cappella in that deep baritone voice live in a small venue in Pittsburgh.
Words Roberts thrilled us with that night now wrap perfectly around memories of Jim that I will forever cherish.

“And sometimes I despair the world will never see another man. Like him.”

Thank you, Jim, my dear friend, for all you gave the world.

Damper touched so many lives along the way, it's hard to imagine hockey in Pittsburgh without him.

From playing adult games in the early mornings and pick-up games Friday nights to coaching on weeknights and weekends, he had a passion for the game few of us will ever know.

He'd be the first to tell you, "I was never any good at this game". But we all know the game was not only good to him, it was good for him.

I for one, can't imagine Pittsburgh hockey being the same without him. He had an intensity admired by players and coaches alike. He was a fiece competitor whether standing in front of the net of behind the bench and his departure will leave a void in the hearts of so many.

To his players and ex-players; if you haven't already, I hope you realize how lucky you were to have crossed paths with his dedication, knowledge and leadership...and that you carry that spirit with you into your future.

As his friend, coaching colleague and teammate, I can tell you that the time I spent with Damper was irreplaceable.

To Beth, Patrick and Sarah, I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences; and I thank you for sharing your husband and father him with us.

To the guy who dubbed me Coach T, you were simply the best and I will miss you forever...

I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and Jimmy will be deeply missed.

I cannot begin to describe how shocked and hurt I was to hear of Jim's passing. I was fortunate enough to play for Jim for several seasons in my high school days and I can honestly say that his enthusiasm and passion for the game was absolutely unparalleled. Fortunately, I ran into Jim often enough to get updates on his family and teams and no matter how much time had passed, it seemed like we picked up where we left off every time. Jim's legacy will live on in every person lucky enough to befriend him, and especially in those who got to spend time with him doing what he loved most. My deepest sympathies go out to the Damp family and everyone who is sharing the grief that I am for this tragic loss.

You will never be forgotten JD, thank you for all that you have done for me.

Adam Burger
FR '02

To Beth,Patrick,and Sarah

When I heard of Jim's passing,I was SHOCKED and I still can't belive it.
Beth, What does one said to you, Patrick and Sarah.
Sorry is just not enough.
I'll miss Jim more than you will know.
It was always fun to see him and talk about softball,hockey or the kids.
Jim is always someone I called friend.

Rest in Peace Jim

Dave Bozick

August 17, 2009
Beth, Patrick & Sarah,
Still looking for the right words to say but there are none. Shock. We are so very sorry. God grant you some comfort in the days and weeks to come with the words and memories that friends and loved ones share here for you to view. Jim is loved by so many, many people.

His love for you Beth, Patrick & Sarah was incredible, unquestionable and never ending. His love for life – undeniable. His love for hockey- unmeasurable. His love for the boys he coached – priceless.

Beth, Patrick, Sarah, you unselfishly shared your husband and dad with us, far more than the average family. You gave up time with him so he could make a difference in other people’s lives. We thank you so very much for that. We are all better people for having “Damp” be a part of our lives.

The time that Jim spent with Franklin Regional Hockey Club was legendary. Far more than just hockey. There were friendships and bonds created between Jim and “the boys” that have carried on for years.
Franklin Regional Hockey Club was privileged to have Jim as their coach.

The friendship of two young boys who used to call a taxi, jump in with all of their hockey stuff (including the net) and be driven to another neighborhood to play street hockey was reunited as later in life as these same two now men joined together to coach and share their love of hockey with their sons and Franklin Regional Hockey boys. The bond continues…

Jim Damp – the definition of a true man and a fine gentleman.
Things just won’t be the same but our memories of “Damp” are forever.

Beth, Patrick, and Sarah,

I can not tell you how sad I was to hear of the passing of Jimmy. I was blessed to have been able to call Jimmy my friend. I had the chance to play and coach with Jimmy over the years and also referee games that he coached. The local hocky community lost a great ambassador of the sport. The Morning League will not be the same with out him.

Jimmy I love and miss you. Rest Well.

Jeff Nunez

I remember playing hockey at the Neville Ice Rink in South Side. It was only my second week of ever playing ice hockey. Jimmy took my legs out from under me and I did a somersault and we both ended up facing each other. I looked at Jimmy and said dude, I never did anything like that before. We sat for a second gaining our composure and then got right up and kept skating. Dude you'll be remembered every time any of us step on the ice. ~Donnie Simmons

I met Jim through mutual hockey freinds and only knew him a brief time, but I was always happy to see him walk through the locker room door. I knew that the immediate future held big laughs and good. times. Broz's Raiders will miss Jim greatly.

Very sad news about Jim Damp, who coached Fox Chapel, Allegheny and Keystone Games the past two years. Great guy who was respectful and coached for the love of the game and was a favorite with the kids !

Jim was a Director's Cup champion in 1999 as an assistant at North Allegheny and led Franklin Regional to the Director's Cup final and Penguins Cup Final in 2002-2003 and most recently led the West to the Midget Gold Medal at the Keystone Games.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Damp Family !
_________________
PA Hockey

Beth, Patrick, and Sarah,
We are so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Jim and I playing hockey for Penn Hills and then getting into coaching. He touched not only hockey lives, but personal lives as well, he truly cared. I know all are grateful. Hockey has lost a true ambassador of the game. May God bless you.

Beth,Patrick & Sarah,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I want you to know that Jim was more of a brother to me than a friend.
He used to say to me,"Mill,it was a slice of heaven"!
Today, he's having his slice.
I'll never forget you J.D.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Damp family. Jimmy will be missed at the morning league. It somehow won't be as fun without him. He made a lot of people smile. Prayers to you Beth and your family.

What do you say to a family that you have been so close with for almost 19 years when they lose someone so special, too soon?
Since Jim passed, I've been trying to think of the right words to say to all of you...
I'm still in disbelief and shock. And I'll be honest, I don't know how to put what I'm feeling into words.
Just know that I am continually praying for all of you, thinking about all of you and love you all very much...
We wish we could be there with you. Know that are our hearts are.

We are so very sorry.

Kelley, Will, Julian and Jalen

I played hockey with Jim in the morning league and also met him at many hockey events throughout western PA. There was never a time he did not greet me with a smile and a friendly word. Truly my life was enhanced by knowing him. God bless Jim and his family.

Jimmy it want the same today at Dukes.... I saw you almost every Sunday. even though you didnt stay long, it was GREAT seeing you! You had your 2 beers and peanuts....then went on your way! You were always so darn nice to me....and ya always made sure you said good bye to me! My mom and dad are also so sadden, my mom said you have been coming in since you were 21 years old! Jimmy, you will be missed by many and thought of often.... rest in peace buddy!
Sincerly,
Alison Jones/Pavlik
Dukes Rodi

I just heard of Jim's passing this evening from my brother and was shocked and speechless and very saddened by the news. I first met Jim while playing softball and coaching a team together with him in Penn Hills.

I love you man !!!!!

Jim was a good friend who was always compassionate of his fellow teammates. He is now coaching and playing second base for Gods' team in heaven and making sure that all players get playing time.

Beth, Patrick and Sarah you have our deepest sympathy and love during your time of need.

With deepest sympathies,

Scott, Wendy , Sara , Lewis Charrie

Hello Beth

Monica and I are shocked by the news of you loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family today and in the following days. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you during this difficult time. We are far away but we always remember our true friends.

Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 302-449-0276.

Our deepest sympathies
Mike and Monica

Our

To Beth and the Damp Family, I just heard of Jim's passing and I'm quite shaken by it. Jim and I had become very close right before I moved to Florida in 1985. We shared many good times with our crew that played softball, watched sports and had many laughs together. I was with Jim the night the Penguins won their first Cup. I don't think two people could have been more happy at that moment in time. Jim could not have chosen a nicer lady to share his life with than Beth. My thoughts will be with her and both families this week. God Bless...David Clark, aka "Spanky" Tampa, FL (Penn Hills 1978)

Dearest Beth,

I am numb with grief for your loss. Please know that Julia, Jennifer, and the whole Dobson family are praying for you and your family.

If there is anything we can do to help ease your pain, please let us know.

We love you and care about you.
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Keith Dobson

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Damp family. You are in our thoughts.

Beth, Patrick, and Sarah, No words can take your pain away. Please know that you will be continuously in our prayers so that you will be blessed with the comfort of family and friends and knowing that Jim is definitely with our Lord. We love you dearly. Harpo, Jackie, & Taylor

I met Jim playing hockey in the morning league. Soon I learned how much he did for local hockey with high school and youth hockey. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.

Goodbye Jimmy. You are a class act and a true gentlemen.
The Morning Hockey League won't be the same without you.
Rest in Peace my friend.

Our deepest sympathies go to Jim's family. Coaching hockey with Jim at Fox Chapel was a true honor as he touched the many lives of the kids he led. A true gentleman, the Pittsburgh hockey community will miss him greatly.

With deepest regards,

Beth, Patrick, and Sarah,
There are no words that can express our sorrow....we all loved Jim. We are thankful for the many memories our families have shared, both on the ice and off. You are in our thoughts and prayers.....
Kirk, Jayne, Derek, and Tyler (Louisville, KY)

Jim was so proud of you, Patrick and Sarah, and Beth, you were the love of his life. A funnny, funny man, entertaining elsewhere now. I'm so sorry for the pain and loss you are feeling. I'll be thinking of you.

Shock does not describe my feeling this morning as I am just learning of the loss of one of the most colorful characters of my lifetime. My prayer and thoughts are with Beth and the kids. And with my Gateway friends who too are in mourning today, but like me, should count themselves lucky to have known the Dampster. May God engage you in stimulating conversation and a perpetual hockey game, my friend.

We are very sorry for the unexpected passing of your husband, father, son, uncle and friend. Our prayers are with all of you during this time.

Our sympathies to the family. What a wonderful reputation he had.

Laurel and Russ Cepko and family

Beth, Patrick and Sarah,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our memories of Jim are of a deceit, funny and knowledgeable baseball coach. He recognized a desire and the coaching talent in our son and gave him a chance to be his coach in hockey. We will always be grateful. May Gob bless you, watch over and protect you. We hope that the memories of how Jim touched our lives bring you all some comfort.

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Damp family. I will always remember Jim for his wit and his passion for hockey. What you see is what is what you got with Jim. He will be deeply missed by my family and Fox Chapel Hockey.

With our deepest sympathies,
The Eisenfeld

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The wonderful memories of Jim's life will always be with us.

Jim,

You will be missed by all in the hockey community!

You were the consummate gentlemen coach ... and our community has lost one of our shining stars!

God speed my friend!

With deepest sympathies,