James Francis Dunn Jr.

James "Jim" Francis Dunn passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Detroit to Patricia "Pat" and James Dunn Sr. and attended Catholic Central High School. After high school, he enlisted in the Army in 1965, hoping for an assignment that would allow him to avoid being sent to Vietnam. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School and arrived in Vietnam in May 1967 as a forward observer in the 1st Infantry Division, the Big Red One. On his 23rd birthday, his helicopter was shot down and Jim survived with injuries that required reconstructive surgery. He came home a captain with four Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, and 32 Air Medals from over 1,600 hours of combat flight.

After returning from Vietnam, he completed his bachelor's degree and his law degree and started work in politics in the Michigan Senate. He opened his law and lobbying firm in 1980. In 1986, he married Nan Casey, the love of his life, and eventually became a father, hockey coach, and chauffeur to various sports tournaments across the Midwest. He continued to play hockey as a goalie throughout his life, and retired in his 70s after being named MVP of a 70-and-over hockey tournament in Traverse City. He finished his career as the Deputy Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, where he oversaw the state's veteran homes. He described walking into those homes as walking onto hallowed ground, and he insisted the heroes were the men living in them. Of all of his many awards and accomplishments, he felt his highest honor was raising his sons to be fine members of the community, hard workers, and, of course, good athletes. He was often described as the "nicest man in the world," and was known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor (as well as his ability to tell a great story). He lived a life of service: to his family, his country, and his friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 24 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. A reception will follow the Mass. Burial with full military honors will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Nan; four sons, Jamie (Cyndi), Casey (Marie), Daniel (Grace), and Joseph; his sisters, Margaret Kivela and Maureen Dunn; grandchildren Violet, Sloane, Maggie, Jack and grand-dog, Winston; his nieces and nephews; Andrew Soper, who considered Jim a father figure, and countless friends. If desired, donations in his honor can be directed to the Purple Heart Homes.