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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

James Alferd Havens

James Alferd Havens, age 83, of Hockessin, DE, formerly of Bear, DE, passed away on September 10, 2018 at Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehab Center.

Mr. Havens graduated from William Penn High School in 1950. He was a starter at Delaware Park and Pimilico, Director of Operations at Delaware Park and an environmental patrolman. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and gardener and was a member of Ducks Unlimited.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Archibald Havens; first wife, Marcia; daughter, Melissa, and brothers, Robert, Richard, George and Frank.

His memory will be carried on by his wife, Dorothy Havens of Bear; daughters, Robin Shupe of Hockessin, Judy Barrett and husband Michael of Bear and Marna DiOssi and husband Dion of Bear; son, James Havens and wife Lauren of Hockessin; granddaughters, Lauren Shupe of New Castle, Katie Barrett of Bear, Jillian Shupe of New Castle and Emily DiOssi of Bear; grandsons, Jacob DiOssi of Wilmington, Cole Barrett of Bear, and Broderick and Lucas Havens of Hockessin; great-grandson, Kayden James Shupe; great-granddaughter, Lileigh Raquel Quintero; sister, Betty Murphy of New Castle; brothers, Denny Havens and Archibald Havens of Bear; sisters-in-law, Virginia and Marie; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Regal Heights for their compassionate care of Jim.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

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Funeral Services

A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00-5:00 pm with a 3:00 pm service on Sunday September 23, 2018 at the White Clay Creek Country Club, Veranda Room, 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington.

Condolences

    Rhonda Atwell-Teat writes,
    Dear Marna and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always remember a smile on your dad’s face anytime I would visit. Cherish the memories. With love and sympathy, Rhonda
    09/19/2018 12:45 pm
    Julia Almont writes,
    What a blessing to have worked with Jimmy at Delaware Park. And what a privilege to be his friend! All of us were touched by his laughter and kindness! My love and prayers of peace and healing to all of you! Julie
    09/19/2018 03:17 pm
    WILLIAM FASY writes,
    All of Delaware Park is grieving at the loss to Jimmy's family and we are praying for them. I still remember my first week of work 22 years ago when the races were taken off the turf and I showed up at 6am to walk the turf that Saturday. He said you just won me over ... you're the first GM to take the time to learn and discuss the delicate calls to keep racing on or off the turf. I will never forget his infectious smile while driving the green pickup checking on all the work getting done and his ability to laugh at a good joke. Jimmy we will dearly miss you - God Bless and Rest in Peace - We Love YA!
    09/19/2018 03:41 pm
    J. Ruffin (Delaware Park) lit a candle and writes,
    I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family of my former co-worker, Mr. Jimmy Havens. It was a pleasure working with him for many years, and fond memories of him will forever be cherished. I pray that you find comfort in knowing that he is now in God's care. Mike, Judy and Cole, if there's anything you need, or if I can be of help in any way, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm just a phone call away.
    09/19/2018 04:09 pm
    Mark Shupe lit a candle
    09/19/2018 05:55 pm
    Martha Balderson writes,
    I am so sorry for your loss to my brother Mike and Sister-In-Law Judy, Cole and Katie. I know how much your father meant to all of you. Prayers for you and your Mother and all family members. I always remember your Dad as super nice and friendly guy. Love, Martha, Kenny, Kristi, Mega and Kayla
    09/19/2018 06:09 pm
    Mike Nelson Jr. lit a candle and writes,
    I would like to offer my condolences to Jimmy's Family. I have to say Jimmy was an awesome person, always up for a good laugh. He was directly involved in bringing me over to Maintenance when I was just a 22 year old trying to figure out my life in Commissary. He brought me over as a "Carpenter Helper", put me with knowledgeable people to show me the ropes of the trade and set me up with the Carpenter schooling. 17 years later I am a Journeyman Carpenter with Maintenance and proud to be part of the Team. I will forever be grateful for him believing in me and providing me with a rewarding Career path. God Bless all of you through this difficult time.
    09/20/2018 09:22 am
    Pam, Vinnie and Stephanie Rhodes writes,
    Marna & family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, husband, grandfather. I have been reliving memories all week. He took me in like one of the family. Practically lived at your house during high school. Marna, so many memories, nothing beats the time he walked in the kitchen holding a REAL Ox tail and asked if I was staying for dinner, he was making home made oxtail soup. Of course it was a NO that night. LOL He was funny, loving and infectious. He will always be in my memories and never be forgotten. He was like a 2nd dad to me and I will always be thankful that he was in my life for a spell. RIP Jim, Love Pam
    09/20/2018 11:48 am
    Rev. Arlene Favreau-Pysher writes,
    To the family of Jim. I want to add my condolences and prayers to your loss. I was glad to have gotten to know him in these last few years. Pastor Arlene
    09/20/2018 07:31 pm
    Melissa curlett lit a candle
    09/20/2018 08:27 pm
    Ann Brown lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Dot, I'm so very sorry for your lost. My prayers are with you and your family. Lovingly, Ann Brown
    09/21/2018 09:18 pm
    Liz Meredith
    09/22/2018 10:27 am
    Liz Meredith lit a candle
    09/22/2018 10:29 am
    Sandi cooke
    09/22/2018 04:53 pm
    Nancy Hill writes,
    Prayers that Jimmie is at peace now and my sincerest condolences to Dot and the entire family. Jimmy was a good friend to me from the time I arrived at Delaware Park in 1975. He was behind me being appointed outrider and I'll never forget his kindness.
    09/23/2018 12:04 pm
    Juan & Tonette lit a candle and writes,
    To Judy, Mike, Cole Katie, and family. Please accept our condolences. Jimmy toched so many lives for the good. I’m grateful I had the chance to know him as a boss and a friend.
    09/23/2018 01:18 pm
    Orlando Forbes writes,
    You are in my prayers, I am so sorry for your loss, Mr James Havens was a wonderful person and a friend. Please accept my condolences. Words cannot express my sadness. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers are with you all. You have my deepest sympathy to your Family.
    09/30/2018 06:29 am
    Darlene Grace lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Judy: I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Darlene Grace- Elkton, Md
    11/02/2018 06:27 pm

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