DUSENBURY, James Saye III Age 75, of East Orleans, MA, passed away Dec. 12, after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He was born in Boston on December 15, 1944 to the late Nina (Keppler) and James Saye Dusenbury, Jr. Jim was a 1962 graduate of Wellesley High School, and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Massachusetts.

Jim raised his family in Stow, MA while pursuing a teaching career. He taught for a short time at North Reading High School and then moved to his beloved Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. He was a teacher, coach, athletic director, mentor, and friend to students and staff for over 30 years. He influenced the lives of many students through his passion for gymnastics and the founding of the Lincoln-Sudbury gymnastics program. Jim received many awards for his dedication to his profession, including the 1972 MA Gymnastics Coaches Association Coach of the Year, the 1978 Boston Globe Boys Gymnastics Coach of the Year, and the 2000 Commonwealth of Massachusetts High School Teacher of the Year. After retiring from Lincoln-Sudbury, he moved to Orleans, MA and spent winters in Punta Gorda, FL, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and great friends.

He leaves behind his wife of 55 years Jacqueline (Chevone), his son James S. and wife Susan (Wolverton) Dusenbury, IV of Novi, MI, his daughter Jessica and her husband Ted Wilson of Wellfleet, MA, four grandchildren, Kate and husband Thomas Fletcher, Emma Dusenbury, Andrew Wilson, Julie Wilson, his sister Mildred Seibert of Chatham, MA and many cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. Memorial donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or the Cape Cod Bible Alliance Church, Brewster, MA. For full obituary details, go to www.nickersonfunerals.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 18 to Dec. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES DUSENBURY

4 Entries

Colonel (R) Dave Lowry

December 20, 2020

I was one of the lucky ones who was coached by Jim Dusenbury. We both arrived at Lincoln-Sudbury the same year. I was a sophomore and had one year of experience as a floor exercise specialist. My older brother Johnny was a trampoliniist who transitioned to pbars. Dusenbury was an extremely talented and intelligent coach. He knew his ragtag bunch of athletes were inexperienced. So he gave us a smart very achievable goal. He knew we would not be capable of big difficult complex routines, so he shared his simple vision. Keep it clean. Do simple tricks very well and very cleanly. It was the perfect strategy. We finished our very first season with a .500 record, which was an incredible achievement for a first year team. The second year, the team did so well he was named Massachusetts Coach of the year (1972). The team had some amazing talent. I'll never forget David Azar's sly smile during his iron cross. Justin Cain was our all-around and performed admirably. I was an average athlete. Bob Becket joined the team his junior year and quickly surpassed my achievements. He was such a natural athlete. Dusenbury set the tone, encouraged self-discipline and excellence, and the team responded magnificently. Dusenbury created a fantastic environment that allowed us to excel. His simple achievable vision was brilliant. He led by example. I feel extremely fortunate to have participated with LSRHS gymnastics team and am forever grateful for that opportunity. RIP Coach Dusenbury, and may flights of angels see my thee to thy rest.

Lauren Walsh

December 19, 2020

He was the best! I remember going down to the AD office just to hang out with him- he was such a great mentor

Steve Blanchette

December 19, 2020

I first met Jim while he student taught at L.S. as my P.E. teacher in the 1966-67 time frame. (Whoa, 54 years ago) A year or 2 later Jim was my P.E. teacher at UMass, Amherst; surprise! In 1973 Jim and Barbara Athy hired me upon my return from playing and coaching in The U.K. To be The Head Soccer Coach at L.S. taking over from George Horton. Dues and I shared an office for 2 yrs. At L.S. and we were fortunate to have 2 great soccer seasons, I believe 26-1-2. Not to bad. What a lot of fun. Remembering fondly the L.S. coaches and athletic teams winning The Boston Globe's Dalton Award during this time. Dues was so supportive, positive, and always encouraging. Just an extremely pleasant person to be around. I had great respect for Jim as an educator, Athletic Director, and friend. Andy would keep me updated periodicaly on Jim's condition over the years. Jim simply set a great example for young teachers and coaches with his great listening skills and administrative and teaching words of wisdom. Jim leaves a great legacy which he, his family, and friends can all be very proud of.
Steve Blanchette

The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home

December 18, 2020

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

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