James "Pete" W. Dunn

James W (Pete) Dunn, age 96, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at home, with his loving wife Nita holding his hand. Services will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Raytown Christian Church, 6108 Blue Ridge Blvd in Raytown, MO. Friends and family may call from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. immediately followed by interment at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, MO.

Pete was born in Tomaha, OK on February 13, 1928 to Jonas and Armanda Lee “Minnie” Dunn. He was their eighth child, and more brothers and sisters would follow as the years went by. Growing up in dustbowl Oklahoma, he learned a strong work ethic, gained knowledge about farming and raising stock, worked in the mines with his brothers and - as the middle child of many siblings - grew to love and appreciate how important family and friends are for a good life.

He met the love of his life, Juanita (Mudd) after his family moved to Stotts City, MO. Not long after, he was drafted into the Army at the end of World War II to serve in Japan during the occupation. During his service, he learned automotive maintenance and repair, and that became his life’s work. He and Nita moved to Kansas City after his discharge and their marriage. Following a brief stint at Sears, he went into business with his father-in-law, opening Mudd and Dunn Service at 15th and Van Brunt in Kansas City. The gasoline station became a place of employment and knowledge of mechanics for nephews and friends who were looking to move to Kansas City from south Missouri. When he moved the station to Raytown, Dunn Service became a cornerstone of the downtown Raytown area. Customers, friends, family and neighbors found a welcome place to linger over coffee and car repair at the station.

He was involved in Scouting with both his sons and earned the rank of honorary warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, with the name “Many Rolling Wheels”. He was a faithful member of Raytown Christian Church, serving as a deacon and keeping their bus and van fleet in good repair.

Throughout his life, Pete, Nita and their family traveled across the United States, venturing from Florida to Alaska and nearly every state in between on family vacations. He loved the outdoors – especially Table Rock and Truman Lakes, where he spent untold hours behind the wheel of a speedboat or pontoon, entertaining family and teaching children and grandchildren to waterski.

Everyone who knew him was blessed by his warm hospitality and his impish sense of humor.

Pete is survived by his wife of 77 years, Juanita; his children Jamie (Elnora) Dunn, Susan (Joe) Walker, and Jeff (Dawn) Dunn; grandchildren Annie (Doug) Rector; Justin (Nicole) Walker, Jennifer (Jamie) Faulkner and Darla (Logan) Jones; great grandchildren Bailey Faulkner, Colin Rector, Meagan Faulkner, Preston Jones, Jessica Faulkner, Lucina Walker, Audrey Faulkner, Robert Jones, Fiona Jones and Aleena Jones as well as extended family Robert Mills II and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Raytown Christian Church.