John P. deJongh Sr. died Tuesday in a Miami Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was 72.
DeJongh, who was born on St. Thomas Feb. 27, 1927, served as the executive administrator for Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky.
DeJongh received his law degree from Harvard University. When he joined Everett Birch's law practice, he became the attorney for Hess Oil Virgin Islands Corp.
DeJongh's father, Percy deJongh, was the commissioner of Finance under three governors.
Educator Ruth Thomas, a classmate of deJongh's, described him as being "ahead of his time." She also said he was lighthearted and entertaining, but at the same time an excellent student.
"He and Leo (Sibilly Sr.) were inseparable as children – always giving us a good laugh," she recalled.
Thomas emphasized that while deJongh was very funny and good company, "most of us remember his brilliance. He was always able to bring intelligence to any situation."
Another classmate from the Charlotte Amalie High School class of 1944, Calvin Wheatley, said, "One of the things we always looked forward to was a good argument – not a debate – but really an argument with he and Leo Sibilly and Cecil George. None of us were surprised when he became a lawyer.
"Although he made fun sometimes – when it was time to be serious, he was," Wheatley said.
DeJongh is survived by three sons, John P. deJongh Jr., Stanley deJongh and Sydney deJongh, and two daughters, Judy McCoy and Mary Frate.
He is also survived by five grandchildren, John Percy III, Rene, Tommy and Julian deJongh and Dominic Frate.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Mafolie.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands for the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital. CFVI, PO Box 11790, St. Thomas 00801.
