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Jimmy D's Firehouse Red

Deputy Chief James D'heron of the New Brunswick Fire Department lost his life on September 3, 2004 responding to a house fire. He gave his life that day in order to save the lives of others. All 15 of the occupants in the house made it out alive because of the efforts of Jimmy D.....

James D'heron

March 20, 1953 - September 3, 2004

Written by Erin (D'Heron) Varga

Jim, Jimmy, Jimmy D, JD, Dad, and Pop Pop Jim were just a few of the names he was known by. His favorite, "my Dear,"is how he and his wife, Kathleen, referred to one another. It echoed through the walls of their home and is just hint of how they felt towards each other.

Jim lived his life to the fullest in every manner possible. He was a person who loved life and loved all that he had. He never took anything for granted. Words cannot express how much he truly enjoyed the best things life had to offer.

Surfing and golfing were two of his favorite, most active pastimes. There were many other things he loved to do. One was reading a good book. He could finish a book in a day. His wife and children could be running about and it wouldn't matter, he would lose himself in a good book and not stop until he finished it. He appreciated a great author and never turned down the challenge of a read. He shared this joy with his wife and children.

He loved music, but of course not your top 40. His all time favorite artist was Tom Waits. He has everything ever recorded by him. His children were probably the only kids around who knew the words to numerous Waits songs. He also loved The Beach Boys, Bobby Darrin, Black 47, Jewel, Harry Chapin, and Bruce Springsteen.

Jim was not a stranger to trying new things. If it challenged him he would try it and, for the most part, he had a blast doing so. He passed this passion down to his children as well. Always dare to try, and if you don't like it, at least you tried it. His honesty was a blessing. He was not afraid to speak his mind, and he wanted everyone else to do the same. If you believe in something, it's okay, just stand by what you believe in and be honest about it.

Listening was another thing Jim could do well. He was a great listener in a time when most people are too busy to do so and it is a trait we all should strive to have. He never said he didn't have time or he was too busy, and he probably listened even when he didn't want to.

He loved a great meal and a good restaurant. He never turned anything away. He loved nothing better than a dinner of pot roast and noodles with his family. It didn't get much better than that, unless of course they were in Maine and they were having lobster. He even passed this joy down to his grandchildren, Kiera and Danny. Kiera loved having a Maine lobster with her pop pop Jim. He taught her how to crack it, dip it in butter, and make a big mess eating the entire thing. They loved the "knuckles" the best.

Jim gave new meaning to the words humble, giving, loving, honest, and hero. His life will go on forever through everyone he came in contact with. He was the luckiest guy around and we are the luckiest people for having known him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his daughter, Erin, his sons, Mickey and Jimmy, a son-in-law, John; two grandchildren, Kiera and Danny; two brothers, Billy and Joey; and two sisters, Margaret and Terri, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who all loved him dearly and will miss him for many years to come.

Jimmy D's Firehouse Red

Brewed in honor of Deputy Chief James D'Heron, and as a tribute to all firefighters who give so unselfishly of themselves to protect everyday people from harm.

The Harvest Moon will donate a portion of every sale of Jimmy D's Firehouse Red to The Children's Burn Camp of the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation, an organization that was close to his heart.

For more information on the legacy of "Jimmy D" and the Children's Burn Camp please check out the following links:

www.ctburnsfoundation.org

www.jimmyd5k.com
James D'Heron Memorial Foundation

Daily Targum September 7, 2004
Home News Tribune January 13,2005
NJ FMBA January 2005
Home News Tribune January 26,2005
NBFD Headquarters September 3, 2005
Home News Tribune September 4, 2005
Star Ledger January 6, 2006
Home News Tribune February 3,2006
"Pub Scout" January 2007
Star Ledger January 19,2007
Home News Tribune January 22,2007

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