from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — James Durand “J.D.” Dennis, 85, of Harrington, Del., died Sept. 21, 2015, at the Milford Center, Genesis Eldercare.

Mr. Dennis was born in Walston Switch, Md., on July 5, 1930, the son of the late Archie and Estelle (Parsons) Dennis.

He developed a love for harness racing. In 1960 he applied for and received his first licenses. He raced horses throughout the East Coast from Canada to Florida. In 1965 he was the driver with the most wins at the inaugural Pocono Downs meet with 29 victories in the 30 day meet. He was very active in supporting the sport of harness racing and helped out in any way to help the horseman and tracks. He also held two ranking licenses (1968-No. 36 ) and (1969-No. 24) from the USTA.

After retiring from racing, Mr. Dennis enjoyed watching races on television or going out to the track. He had a special spot at the fence at Harrington Raceway to watch and talk with the horsemen. Many of the people would come up to him and talk about horses, and he was never at a loss for words. He never met a stranger and was always there for anybody at anytime. Mr. Dennis always said, “My phone is only an arms length away.”

Just a month ago, he had the privilege of going to Pocono one last time to celebrate a half-century of hosting drivers. He had the honor of presenting the trophy to the winner of a non-betting legends race on this night of celebration.

In addition to harness racing, Mr. Dennis was a former skeet and trap shooting champion at the Sudlersville Skeet Club in Maryland. He was the first to shoot 100 out of 100 clays (1950). He won several championships during his shooting career. He enjoyed showing folks many of the tricks that he had accomplished through his shooting.

Another pastime that he had was his pony Sport which he drove in parades and drives. He drove for several years in the Returns Day parade in Georgetown.

He does have one horse still racing, JD An Parker (named after himself and the groom) which he bred and raised. He also currently owned a mare and foal.

Mr. Dennis was a member of the USTA; a director of the Delaware State Fair for 25 years; a member of the DSOA, serving as a director for 30 years; a director at Harrington Raceway; a member of the Harrington Moose Lodge; and was a lifetime member of the Harrington Fire Company.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nellie Ann; sons, J. Eddie, George E. and James Durand Jr.; daughters, Ellen Lee McReynolds and Sandra Robertson; grandchildren, Jorden, Camryn, Taylor, Janel, Corey, John and Kent; step-grandchildren, Mike, Erin and Andrew; great grandchildren, Inez, Colton, Kaden and Colton; and his beloved dog Trixie.

Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 26) at the Exhibit Hall of the Delaware State Fair Grounds, Rt. 13, Harrington, where funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to either the Harrington Fire Company, 20 Clark St., Harrington, DE 19952 or to the Horseman’s Welfare Trust Fund, 830 Walker Square, Suite 11-2, Dover, DE 19904.

Arrangements by McKnatt, Carpenter & Baker Funeral Home, Harrington, DE.