ILION - Jeffrey "J.J." James Dennis, Jr., age 20, of Second St., Ilion, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Columbia Presbyterian Children's Hospital, N.Y.C. He was born on October 29, 1993, in Cooperstown, the son of Jeffrey and Carol (Covey) Dennis, and graduated from Ilion High School. "J.J." really enjoyed working on cars with his Dad and friends at Top End Auto and helping out at Tara Lyndaker's Bottle Redemption. His hobbies included skate boarding, camping, fishing, riding bikes, spending time with all his friends at Rock & Bowl, and listening to music. Most of all, Jeffrey enjoyed spending time with his Nana Dennis. She was his world. She was always by his side when in and out of the hospital. He also enjoyed texting his favorite sister, Sam. Jeffrey "J.J." was the happiest person when he spent time with his son, Zayden. He was the light of his life. Surviving to cherish his memory are his parents, Jeff and Carol Dennis; two sisters, Tabitha Dennis and boyfriend, Ralph Walker, and Samantha Dennis, all of Ilion; his son, Zayden Michael, who "J.J." loved very much; his girlfriend, Tia Lee Williams, of Herkimer; his grandparents, Susan and William J. Dennis, and Steven and Donna Jowett, all of Ilion; several aunts, uncles and cousins, including his two closest cousins, Sean Covey and Devon Flannagan; and many friends, including his very close friend, Ciearra Camarata. Funeral services will be held 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2014, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion (old Main St., between Ilion and Frankfort), with Sister Mary Jo Tallman, Parish Life Director of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Mohawk, officiating. Calling hours are Friday, March 28, 2014, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Anyone wishing to share a memory of "J.J.", or add to his online memorial, may go to: www.applegateandday.com A very special thank you from the family to Joseph Kimball and Natasha Clark, Melody Jowett, Randy Stannard and Theresa Corsette for all the help and guidance that you have done. A special thank you from the family to Upstate Medical Center, of Syracuse, especially (Uncle) Dr. Frank Smith, and Columbia Presbyterian Children's Hospital, of N.Y.C., for their excellent care, kindness and compassion to Jeffrey "J.J." over the years. The Dennis family has entrusted J.J.'s service arrangements and supervision to Don Applegate, Funeral Director.