God Bless You Jim. The World is not as good with you gone.
Steve Blanchette

Jim was our neighbor when I was a little girl.  Jim and Jackie were my parents FUN friends.  We loved listening to Jim explain his Outward Bound trips and going to their house to visit.  Jim is a genuinely kind person.  I got to visit him a few years ago for the last time.  Jim was incapable of speech but when it came time to say goodbye he held on really tight and said everything necessary with his eyes.  Heaven has a good man!!!!  See you soon Mr. Dusenbury❤️ Love, Tammy,  Jack and Pats daughter

 Today, while going through old boxes of letters I found two from Duse  from a time long after I graduated from LSR in 1974.  He updated me on the whereabouts of  previous team members and encouraged me to continue with my studies.   I was curious to see if Goggle could give me an update on him and I discovered he had passed, I teared up.  

Duse was hugely influential during my high school years.  He'd meet with me after practice and helped guide me into adulthood.  I'll be forever grateful for all he gave me and so many others. 
Godspeed, Duse. 
Laurie (Reese) Reinhardt, PhD.
Seattle, WA


To: Jackie, Lee, and the rest of the Dusenbury family 

I was sorry to read of Jim’s passing.  What a valiant fighter!
Fond  memories of Wellesley High Gymnastics, Morse’s Pond and UMass Gymnastics come to mind. The early days of gymnastics in Massachusetts was like one big family united by our passion for the sport. Jim was a big part of that family. What a great teaching and coaching career Jim led. His service as AD at Lincoln-Sudbury was outstanding. The friendly rivalry between the Braintree Boys’ Team and Lincoln-Sudbury’s was legendary! His love of Nauset Beach was another of his great passions.  He handled the years combatting his disease with courage and grace. He was lucky to have the support of a devoted family, close friends, and the ongoing respect of his peers. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Jim will be missed.  Sincerely,
      Marge Smith

Paratore Family (Charlie, Karen, Lisa)
Our condolences to Jackie (Mrs. Duse), Jess and Jay.  Duse was more than a coach/teacher. He was a mentor, friend and family member.  In the 1970’s he was a major influence to at least 5 families, each of whom had 2 or more members involved in gymnastics all at the same time through his guidance (Cain, Azar/Jacob, Paratore, Ross, Knapp). He was a part of all our families with his inspirations, friendship and love and made us a part of his family too.
Charlie
During my freshmen year, Duse introduced me to the sport of gymnastics. I was drawn to the sport because of his enthusiasm, love and dedication to the sport. Through these characteristics and his support and encouragement I embraced those to further my involvement in gymnastics in college at San Jose State University in California and in my 20-year career in the sport.
LSRHS gymnast class of ‘75
Karen
Duse was a constant inspiration and leader for the LS Gymnastic team.  His support and encouragement, along with Coach Leslie Belcher, pushed me to be my best and Co-Captain in my senior year.
LSRHS gymnast class of ‘79
Lisa
Duse's influence is a constant in my life. He taught me the meaning of community; despite being a boy's and girl’s gymnastic team, we collectively were a team. He taught me you could be both kind and strict at the same time, and through his actions, the value of being there for others. He always had an open door (even when you had to sneak through the boy's locker room to get to his office) to hang out, chat, or turn the lights on in the gym for some extra practice time, for that I will always be grateful.  Duse, thank you for your love, kindness, and guidance; your best characteristics will forever live on in the many lives you have touched.
LSRHS gymnast class of ‘80


Sympathies to the entire Dusenbury family. Coach Dusenbury judged most all our local UMass gymnastics meets and was an exceptional coach, leading the Lincoln-Sudbury teams that beat our Framingham North team most years.  Jim was very approachable, and clearly a good friend to everyone in the MA  gymnastics community. Rest in peace, Coach. 


The summer of 1976 when I met James "Duse" Dusenbury, who was that "Little man with the Big Heart" I learned to love & respect over the years . I went to work for George H @ Sudbury Park & Rec. & then again hired by GH to coach the L-S freshman B-Ball team. Our friendship was shared along with the other L-S coaches on staff such as GH (His Cellmate), Lew B (AD), Andy O, Tom L, Mike G, Bob M (Deadeye) & Ando which lasted till I left coaching at L-S in 1995. 
It was my opinion, this crew including Dues of course was the "Heart, Soul & the Backbone" of L-S Athletic & Phys Ed. Dept. for so many years. I will never forget in that tiny little office downstairs from Gym 1 where Dues & GH lived during school hours & beyond when the stories of the day amongst us all shared with laughter except when any of the teams suffered a loss.  
Dues, as the Men's Gymnastic Coach had that genuine and sincere passion for his sport & it was always evident through his work ethic everyday. I'll never forget all the craziness in Gym 3 during afternoon practices with Dues reigning over his domain in Gym 2 for gymnastics & our brief conversations in between. 
Jim, eventually replaced Lew Baldwin as AD when Lew stepped down & shared those duties with Andy O for a few years till Jim became the full time AD & needless to say he did a great with that task, as well! 
Its been quite a while since, I had seen or spoken to Jim after I left Sudbury other than sending the annual Christmas greeting card which I deeply and sincerely regret! Jim then subsequently  retired from L-S and moved to the Cape. 
My thoughts and prayers are now with Jackie, Jay. Jess & their families and wish to express my sincere condolences that Jim will be missed for sure. 
I am also pretty sure & hope we will all be seeing the "Little Man with the Big  Heart" including some of our other great friends lost such as George Horton, Bob (Deadeye) Meyers,  Lew B & Ando.   
Jim your missed already & loved for sure! 
Steve C

  








I wish to extend the Bellows Family condolences on to the Dusenbury Family. Duse was a major influence on my life and significantly helped me get started on my life of military service thru gymnastics at West Point. Coach Dusenbury made gymnastics into a family event and then took those families and made it into a gymnastics family. Alumni meets are some of my fondest memories of the sport and the people Duse brought together. I always looked forward to returning to Sudbury at least once a year to see him and fellow gymnasts long after graduation. Always hoped we get one more in. We are all better people thanks to Duse.

LS Class of 78; USMA Class of 82

I consider myself very fortunate to have crossed paths with James Dusenbury, and sadden by his passing,  but know that he is still influential in how I lead my life.   I am  a 1971  graduate of LS, a retired Health & Physical Education Teacher, thanks to the great staff at LS.  What an outstanding Department...Lew Baldwin, George Horton, Andy Oleski, James Dusenbury, Bill DeRosa, Barbara Athy, Vickie Edelmann,  Dianne Pullo.  It was because of them, I chose the course of my life.  
   As I look back at that staff, (I'll use the term "spirited") Jim was probably the most calming influence. I don't believe I ever heard any negative or non constructive comment from Mr. Dusenbury...SO POSITIVE!   That department was a well oiled machine producing innovative programs that would rival some college curriculums and Mr. Dusenbury was the heart.  He will be missed, but what a comfort it is knowing I was one of the lucky individuals who had the opportunity to know him and learn from him.  Enjoy your time in Heaven Jim...you deserve it.  

May God grant Jackie and the entire Dusenbury  family Comfort, Strength ,Faith and Hope in Eternal Life in Heaven with our Saviour and Lord Jesus. We have many memories that will not be forgotten.
Jim is greatly missed by many including us.
God's Blessings to All
Eugene and Ruth Ann Mayer

More than a coach, Duse was a role model for all of us. Every year he pulled together a team full of kids from all the different LS cliques.    He especially cared for the kids who struggled and created an atmosphere of kindness and support.   I was blessed to have dinner with Duse and coach Oleski in 2012 on Cape Cod.  They both had such amazing detailed memories of the kids and the great times.

Most of all I will remember how Duse help me recover from Guillien Barre after my sophomore season.    I could barely walk and had to miss lacrosse and football.   He led me through a strength training program and by winter of junior year I was back on the team and went on to compete through college.
 
I will also always remember that Duse and I share today, December 15th as our birthday and learned of his passing this morning.

Our deepest sympathies to the Dusenberry family and best wishes to all of his friends and students from LS.   

Nick Finamore LS Gymnast class of 1981 






Just reading these memories  from all sorts of people, makes me realize all the more what a "successful" life actually is.  Everyone is stating what a positive influence that Duse was, on their lives, and that is truly a testament to who he was.  I literally couldn't go to the gym last night and coach, because I knew that every time I looked at the kids, it would remind me of him, and that I would cry..... I had someone to cover... thankfully. He used to take me out to help him find Jackies Christmas present......LOL... He would stand on the outskirts of the women's dept, while I roamed about looking for a gift for her, from him. He loved her...:) and they were so sweet together... and he was so funny when I finally got something that he approved of... a dress or some outfit.  I'll never forget the day he took me, with Leslie, the girls coach, to water ski. I had never water skied. I  couldn't sink the skis, they would pop up behind me, and a few times, if I got up,  the skis would go into an immediate split and  I would face plant through the water... I had never seen him, or Leslie laugh that hard. He was crying, laughing, in the the bottom of the boat and I nearly drowned for laughing.... amongst a million instances those two thing stand  out..He brought so much joy! Thank you Jackie, Jess, and Jay for sharing him with all of us. 

We Rosses were so lucky to have had Duse as a coach, a gym teacher, a mentor, a family friend. He truly made a difference in many lives, including ours! We were so glad to see him at our Dad's memorial in July, 2019...his bright blue eyes still aglow. We know you will miss him, and our hearts are sorry with yours. The entire Ross family is grateful to have known him, such a wonderful man.

I remember most his quiet thoughtfulness.   He understood what each kid needed from him irrespective of their being an athlete or a bookworm.  That’s what drove him and why over the 47 years that have passed since I last saw him I have heard countless references made to him in conversations with my boyhood friends.  I am so sorry for his family’s loss.

Ben Hammer

When I was  a 14 yr old instructor aid with the Sudbury Swim Program, Duse was the program director who took the time to teach me how to teach. Later, as gymnastic coach, he taught me how to prepare and compete as an individual, as well as spotting others as they developed into the best competitors they might be. As soccer coach he taught me about teamwork. As an advisor and teacher he taught me how to mentor.  Many times the lessons were indirect and subtle. Decades after leaving LSRHS I was still realizing how much Duse guided my development. 

Nearly 50 years later I continue to draw on these examples as an individual, parent, mentor and teacher. Thank you Duse. I owe you so much. Peace. 

Hello,  I remember you all moving into our neighborhood when Jay was only four years old.  He could ride a two wheeler!  He had the best toys and the most fun parents.  You and Mrs. Dusenberry were my favorites of all of my parents friends.  You always made us kids feel like we counted.  You engaged us in conversation and cared about what we had to say.  I was fortunate to get to visit with you briefly a couple of years ago when we were on vacation on the cape.  It made my heart sad to see  such a physically healthy person succumb to this disease.  I was glad to have seen you, and will miss you.  I am glad you will once again get to climb and row and I hope heaven has Outward Bound Adventures for to you partake of!  Love, Tammy Cullen (Rezner)

I  was so sorry to hear of Pop’s passing. Jackie, Jess and Jay, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was such a great man. We have so many fond memories of him and Jackie visiting at the island, going to your house for Thanksgiving one year, and most recently the wedding in February. 
I know for sure that Bill and Jim are drinking beers together and having a lot of laughs. Much love to you all. 

We were saddened to learn about the passing of your beloved father, Jim. At such a time, words seem meaningless and only the heart speaks. Jim was a legend at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School and his contribution to the Athletic Programs will not be forgotten. He touched the lives of countless students, including the seven Dolan’s. Our prayer today is that all his loved ones will share in the peace Jim now enjoys and so very much deserves.
With heartfelt sympathy, 
John & Maureen Dolan and family

Coach Duse shared his love and enthusiasm with everyone who crossed his path.  His positive encouragement left all of us feeling special and  believing in ourselves a little more than we did before we were coached by him.   He passed his passion and spirit on to us for us to share with others.  We do  so in honor of him and the difference he made in our life.  We miss you Duse.  Through us your spirit lives on.  Thanks so so much!

Dear Jess,
I am really sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He was a nice man. I remember him fondly as our soccer coach. Please extend my sympathies to your mother and brother.
Lisa Schwartz Ballard

Aside from my own parents, Coach Dues was one of the most positive people in my life, as several of my teammates have mentioned here.    He got me excited about gymnastics in the summer before my Freshman year, and I loved everything about it:  the friendships, the practices,  our successes as a team and individuals, and the endless stream of fun, laughter, jokes, and love all masterfully orchestrated by Coach Dues.   

I remember that every so often Dues would jump up on the rings and throw a hand stand to our amazement.  I remember those hot summer nights working out during open gym -- there was no place we'd rather be.  It was wonderful to see the comments from my teammates -- Justin C, Laurie K, John F, Dave  F "aka Pancho" -- he transformed us all.   Dues was instrumental in getting me admitted to Cornell University (based on gymnastics) and it changed the trajectory of my life.   It was a privilege to know him, a privilege to have him as a coach, and he'll be missed my so many.
-- LSRHS Gymnastics Class of 1975

Loved flattened tires for beach  trips.  Outdoor shower and seeing everyone at the Cape after Bill died.  You all were so good to all of us. Louise, John, Patrick, Shannon and Billy.  God bless love Mary Lou. 💒

Words cannot convey how sorry I am for your loss. Jim Dusenbury was loved by teachers and staff alike for the super dynamic man he was. I was the purchasing/payables coordinator who worked right next-door to the athletic department where Jim’s office was. He often came into the business office to get a purchase order number from me and always spent a few minutes talking to me after I gave him the number.  In 1994 I became the one in every eight women who got breast cancer.  I had the lump taken out on March 9 and had to have a second surgery on March 18, because it was suspected that the cancer cells had gotten into my lymphatic system. I was terrified, because I knew that would be a death sentence if it was true. The day before the surgery Jim came into the business office and gave me a Lincoln-Sudbury football jersey and told me to wear it to the hospital for good luck. The surgeon removed a wedge of 15 lymph nodes that tested negative for cancer.  I have never forgotten his profound act of kindness and support.

The man who nicknamed me "Pancho". Duse was the most influential teacher and coach I ever have had. I tried to follow in his footsteps to UMASS as a Physical education teacher and ringman. It's not what I became but what I learned from him helped me in so many ways. He gave so much to so many young people. he was one of a kind and will be missed.

So sad to hear of his passing. Thank you Jim, for all you did for so many. For me you introduced gymnastics to me while you did your student teaching at Curtis Jr High. Then you returned to Sudbury my senior year in high school with the first gymnastic team. 2 years later you walked into the bank I was working at and asked me to come coach the team.   You helped guide my life in so many ways. 
RIP and big love to your family!

Dear Jackie, Jay & Jessica,

I am so sorry for your loss. Duse was a great guy. He was caring, funny, honest and wise. He was always willing to learn something new especially if he thought it would contribute to his craft of teaching and understanding or helping others. My favorite memory of Duse was attending a week long computer camp along with Maryanne Dence and Wayne Ogden. This was quite a collection of L-S folk. Learning about computers were definitely outside of his comfort zone but like everything else he gave it his all! He will be missed. 

Nancy Errico 

Coach Dusenbury changed so many lives, and all for the better. We all have our stories, but the common theme is that he was the most decent of human beings. The gymnastics program he built was more unique for the transformational impact it had on so many young adults than for the impressive record his teams amassed.

In my case, he took an introverted 14-year-old with no self-confidence or athletic prowess and helped me find a place. Thank you Coach for all you did.

Heavy Heart today.  One of the few heroes in my life Coach Dues. I loved him for all the hope and kindness he  always had to share.  There was a  few years when he was the only person I trusted.  He has continued to be a positive force in my life. Even though we have not really been in touch for a long  time. His example has influenced my life as a friend a husband and a father. God Bless you and your family always.

Very sad to hear this news, my sincere condolences to Mr. Dusenberry's family/friends.   I knew him mainly through my brothers (sports players), and through gym classes....and Mr. Duse was one of the rare teachers who made class enjoyable! (for someone who had always dreaded gym class!).   He was down to earth, approachable, kind, yet he knew how to push you just enough, and didn't let you make excuses.   I know his influence was wide spread on so many he worked with; he was a unique individual....  thank you Mr. Dusenberry for choosing to work with us!


Duse was a mentor, coach, a tough teacher and many times a friend through my high school years. I will never forget standing in front of his desk outside the locker (if I remember correctly) so many times! And as a coach, there was no one better. He was truly one of the best out there and am so sorry to hear about his passing. So much love coming your way from the McCall Family (Mark, Leslie, Greg & Trish)

Dear Jackie & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  Jim was one of the first people I met with at Lincoln-Sudbury in his new role as Athletic Dirctor.  He is a colleague that I so enjoyed working with.  Bob and I also remember when he and his daughter came up to New Hampshire to ski with us.  Our deepest sympathy to you all.
With love, 
Pauline & Bob Paste.

I’m so incredibly sorry for the loss of Jim. He was like family to my husband and he loved Duse so much. I’m sure he was there to greet him with open arms. Love and prayers to all of you ❤️

Mr.Dusenbury was a good man and will be missed. Jerry T. Sherman Class of 1982

I can’t share my memories because there are too many, and it would end up being a book. Suffice to say that Dues, along with my parents and grandparents made me who I am today.  I’m supposed to coach tonight... he’s the reason I do... He will be so much missed! Praying for you all Jackie

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

James Saye Dusenbury III

15 décembre 1944 – 12 décembre 2020

Nickerson Funeral Home

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service