James Durand "J.D." Dennis, 85, of Harrington, DE passed away on Monday, September 21, 2015 at the Milford Center, Genesis Eldercare. J.D. was born in Walston Switch, MD on July 5, 1930, the son of the late Archie and Estelle (Parsons) Dennis. J.D. 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 J.D. was the driver with the most wins at Pocono Downs with 29 victories in the 30 day meet. He has been very active in supporting the sport of horse racing industry and helped out in any way to help the horseman and tracks. J.D. also held two ranking licenses (1968 - No. 36 ) and (1969 - No. 24) from the U.S.T.A.

After retiring from racing, J.D. enjoyed watching races on the T.V. or going out to the track. He had a special spot at the fence at the Harrington Raceway to watch and talk with the horsemen. Many of the people would come up to him and talk about horses, and J.D. was never at a loss for words. He never met a stranger and was always there for anybody at anytime. J.D. always said "My phone is only an arms length away". Just a month ago, J.D. had the privilege of going to Pocono Downs 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 legend race on this night of celebration.

In addition to harness racing, J.D. 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). J. D. 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 J.D. 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, J.D. an Parker, (named after himself and the groom) which he bred and raised. He also currently owned a mare and foal. J.D. was a member of the U.S.T.A., a director of the Delaware State Fair for 25 years; was a member of the D.S.O.A., serving as a director for 30 years; served as director at the Harrington Raceway, was 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; three boys J. Eddie Dennis, George E. Dennis and James Durand Dennis, Jr.; two daughters Ellen Lee McReynolds and Sandra Robertson; seven grandchildren Jorden, Camryn, Taylor, Janel, Corey, John and Kent; three step-grandchildren Mike, Erin and Andrew; four great grandchildren Inez, Colton, Kaden and Colton and his beloved dog Trixie.

Friends may call from 2 - 4 pm on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Exhibit Hall of the Delaware State Fair Grounds, Rt. 13, Harrington where funeral services will be held at 4 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to either the Harrington Fire Company, 20 Clark Street, 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.

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