John Dennis

John H. Dennis CAPE CHARLES - John H. "Jack" Dennis, 87, of Bay Creek Golf Community in Cape Charles, Va., died Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at his residence after a long illness. His wife, granddaughter, caregiver, friends, and pastor were at his side. A native of Lansing, Mich., he received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering at Michigan State College (1943), and was a long standing member of the fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. He was a U.S. Navy pilot in World War II (1943-1946), and also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for several years thereafter (1949-1965). He was the founder of Jay Homes Inc. and president and chief executive officer of several building corporations in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. He built in excess of 5,000 homes in his career, a record possible by someone who truly loved what he was doing. Jack was a member for many years at the Cavalier Golf Club and the Bayville Golf Club, where he made his first hole-in-one. More recently, he was residing at the Bay Creek Golf Community in Cape Charles, Va. Jack is survived by his wife, Victoria L. Dennis; a granddaughter, Briana Dennis of Cape Charles, Va.; a grandson, Nicholas A. Calcagni of Virginia Beach; stepdaughters, Bridget S. Calcagni and Dana S. Power of Virginia Beach; and two sisters, Mary Tricia Street of Lansing, Mich., and Dorothy Ellen Foster of St. Louis, Mo. He was predeceased by a son, John H. Dennis III. Jack will be greatly missed by his many friends and business associates. He brought so much happiness and joy to people with his gregarious manner, boisterous laugh, incredible generosity, and favorite mantra, "Lord Love a Duck." His great love and passion for the game of golf, flying, and building homes were well known to those who knew him. The family is extremely grateful to Dr. David Dalessio and the staff at Cape Charles Medical Center for their care and many kindness, as well as Terri Shook, and the staff with Hospice and Pallative Care of the Eastern Shore. A special thanks to Jack's golfing buddy, Bobby Jeffries of Portsmouth for his support and friendship, and finally a heartfelt thank you to Jack's faithful, compassionate and loving caregiver, Latasha Banks of Cape Charles. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Tee of Hampton Roads at Upshur Neck, 2400 Tournament Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome. com. Arrangements have been made by the Wilkins- Doughty Funeral Home, Cape Charles, Va.