James Robert “Jimmy” Dorsey, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, after a long battle with cancer, he was 69. Jimmy leaves behind a large and loving family of over 30 children, grandchildren and great grand children as well as his extended Fire Company Family. His funeral service will be held at the Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Road Ne, Leesburg. More details will be provided as they become available.
A veteran, Jimmy served as a communications specialist with the United States Army and saw combat in the jungles of Vietnam. After his enlistment, he started a family and followed his job to Leesburg. On October 2, 1988, James Dorsey was voted into the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company and became the first African American member. He embraced the camaraderie within the fire station and was a well-respected member. Jimmy had a passion for learning and loved to train and attend classes. A few weeks ago, he was telling a story of the first time that he and a group of firefighters were going through the very challenging training maze with full gear on. It was hot, dark and very difficult. To Jimmy it felt like he had been in there for hours, pulling himself along, sliding down ramps and inching around tight corners. Finally; with little energy left, he successfully made his way out. It had been hard work but work to be proud of; not everyone had made it through the first time. This was who Jimmy was; his inner strength and motivation to succeed allowed him to overcome many challenges throughout his life.
Jimmy found a Brotherhood within the Company and made many lifelong friends. He loved the fire service; the good times at the station, the excitement of each call and the service to others. In 2001, Jimmy had to give up the Fire Company in order to fully commit to his work. It was a difficult decision that he thought of often but it was his family that had to come first. Jimmy Dorsey was a loving husband, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was also a Fireman and our Brother, and will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace old friend.
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