Obituary of James F Dexter Jr

Our Dad, James ( Jimmy ) F. Dexter Jr., passed away on September 10, 2023 in Port Charlotte Fl. He was born April 14, 1943 in Providence, RI. He grew up in Swampscott, MA and graduated from Swampscott High School in 1961. After graduation Dad enlisted in the Marine Corps from 1961-1966 where he proudly attained the rank of SGT. E-5. During his service he was assigned to the elite Marine Corps Marksmanship and Dive Team aboard the USS Northampton, which was then President John F. Kennedy’s Command Naval Cruiser. He served the remainder of his enlistment as a rifle instructor at Camp Lejeune, NC. While on weekend leave from Camp Lejeune , Dad met a hometown girl, Paula, our mother. It was the beginning of a love story, marriage and friendship that has endured over the last 58 years. He was without exception, a truly devoted and loving husband. After his discharge, Dad went to work at the Lynn GE Plant and attended night school at the Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston where he earned an associates degree. That was the beginning of a very successful career with Beacon Development Corporation in Boston where he worked as a project and property manager for over 30 years. Together our parents strived to build a wonderful life for the family. They taught us to work hard, be responsible and compassionate. Dad’s love and caring for animals was a shining example of his humanity. His sense of humor was infectious, and we will forever miss the gift of laughter he brought to all of us. He was a remarkable father, grandfather and great grandfather. One of our fondest Dexter family memories is about how Dad and Mom built a beautiful home on a lake in NH from scratch on weekends, and the years of wonderful laughter and love we got to share every summer while camping growing up. His memory is a part of each and everyone of us. We are blessed to have had him in our lives, and could not ask for a better father. We love you Dad. Survived by: Paula Dexter~ spouse Jason Dexter ~ son Jennifer Smith ( Dexter )~ daughter Jason Dexter Jr. ~ grandson James Dexter~ grandson Samantha Chimento- granddaughter Taylor Gerhardt~ granddaughter Courtney Dexter~ granddaughter Matthew Powers~ grandson Hunter, Justin Jr., Savannah and Kennedy~ great grandchildren