Herman Dow James

Herman Dow “Dee” James, Jr. June 13, 1941 – November 20, 2010 Newnan, GA – Herman Dow “Dee” James, Jr., age 69, passed away on November 20, 2010 while surrounded by family, and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on April 1, 2011 with full military honors. Blessed with an appetite for living and a wicked sense of humor, Dee loved the outdoors, fresh and saltwater fishing, snorkeling for lobster, deer, wild boar and duck hunting, barefoot waterskiing, jumping out of airplanes, Cuban cigars, his war buddies, big red pick-up trucks and fast cars and boats. He was a man’s man, he loved his country and he treasured his wife and family. A Major in the Army Special Forces (Airborne), Dee served three tours in Vietnam in the 2nd Corps Mobile Strike Force, the 5th Special Forces Airborne Group and the 1st Special Forces Group, 1968, 1969 and 1970. During his military career, which spanned 17 ½ years including his reserve service, Dee earned the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star (one oakleaf cluster), a Bronze Star (V for Valor, two oakleaf clusters), the Purple Heart (four oakleaf clusters), the Air Medal (V for valor), and numerous other national and international awards and citations. After leaving the military, Dee had a successful career in the cruise industry for over 20 years, overseeing food safety, hotel operations and developing new destination properties. He loved to travel, taught water aerobics at the swim center in Newnan, smoked his cigars and taught his Macaw bird to talk. A native of Atlanta, a graduate of Marist High School and of the University of Georgia with a degree in Forestry, Dee is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Michele Dineen Marino-James, and his mother-in-law Daron “Mumsy” Svorinich, of the home. He is mourned by his daughter Heather Lynn (and Mark) Powers of Southern Pines, NC; his nieces Lyn Pesterfield Murajda of Boiling Springs, SC; Margaret Pesterfield Roberts of Duluth, GA; and Susanne Ruth Pesterfield of Atlanta, GA; one great-niece Jessica Anne Pesterfield of Toronto, Ontario; and one great-nephew, John Charles Savor, of Boiling Springs, SC. Dee was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Ann James of Atlanta, and by his parents, Mary Evelyn and Herman Dow James, Sr., of Atlanta and of Miami. He is interred at Arlington National Cemetery in section 60, grave #9407. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com

Herman Dow James

June 13, 1941 - November 20, 2010