ANN ARBOR, MI – Jane Denton, the wife of Vietnam War hero and former U. S. Senator from Alabama—Admiral Jeremiah A. Denton, USN (Ret)—passed away on November 22, 2007 at the age of 81.
Jane Denton was a tireless advocate for prisoners of war. She helped found the nationally-recognized advocacy group, “National League of Families of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action,” in the 1960s after her husband was captured during the Vietnam War and imprisoned for eight years. Her efforts were credited for helping to obtain humane treatment and the ultimate release of American prisoners.
“Her children remember her as the most faithful, selfless and dedicated wife and mother that any of us can aspire to be,” her son, Michael Denton, said. “She cherished the people of Mobile, Alabama, her Catholic faith and her Navy family.” The couple raised seven children.
She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Jane Denton is survived by her husband; seven children, Jeremiah Denton III of Virginia Beach, VA, Donald Denton of Philadelphia, James Denton of Washington, D.C., William Denton of Williamsburg, VA, Madeleine Doak of Houston, TX, Michael Denton of Richmond, VA, and Mary Denton Lewis of Atlanta, GA; one sister, Madeleine McPhillips of Mobile, AL; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
As a POW, Admiral Denton made national headlines for an incident in 1966 when he was being interviewed on North Vietnamese television. He spelled out the words “torture” by blinking in Morse code to let American intelligence officials know what was happening to the prisoners.
Admiral Denton is the current Chairman of the Thomas More Law Center Citizens Advisory Board.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center stated, “Admiral Denton represents everything good about America — he is a heroic patriot, a devoted husband and father, and a faithful Christian. His wife, Jane Denton, represented all of that and more. In many ways, Jane Denton, was as heroic as her husband in her support and advocacy for him and other prisoners while they were being held captive by the communist Vietnamese government. She will forever be remembered for her loving devotion to her family, faith, and this country. We at the Thomas More Law Center mourn her passing, but celebrate her life knowing that she is with the Angels.”
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.