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James Dunbar Obituary
Jim officially began his law enforcement career with the Cobb County Police Department, even though he spent countless hours riding in a patrol car with his dad, and then other officers after his dad's death. Jim spent several years with Cobb before moving to Atlanta and joining the APD. Jim soon found a passion for motorcycles, eventually joining Atlanta's Motorcycle Squad.
When recruiters came calling in January of 1977, Jim applied for and was hired by the Houston Police Department. In July of 1978, a mere 18 months after his hiring, Jim rescued two girls from the Burnett-Bayland Children's Home in SW Houston. Shortly thereafter, Jim became part of HPD's Motorcycle Squad (Solos). During his career, Jim was not only instrumental in reviving the combination of horse and police officer with the reestablishment of the Mounted Patrol in October 1984 after 70 years of non-existence, he also established HPD's Public Integrity Review Group (now known as the Office of Inspector General).
Jim was named Officer of the Year presented at the 100 Club's 32nd Annual Awards Banquet.
He also earned several citations and commendations from his commanding officers, as well as received several letters from citizens he protected. Jim retired as a sergeant after twenty years with HPD, moving into private security. He was also a Reserve Captain with Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office.
Survivors include his loving wife Renee Fawcett-Dunbar of Spring; mom Frankie Smith and step-dad Smitty; son Todd Jones and wife Carolyn of Mayfield, KY; daughter Shannon Anglin and husband Archie of Tiline, KY; sister Ann Mohr and husband Walt of Demerest, GA; step-son Robert and wife Hillari of Magnolia; step-son Michael and wife Crystal of Dallas; nephews Steve and Alec Dunbar of Cypress; niece Lee Ann Jean of Marietta, GA; and, several cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Monday June 17th 6-8 p.m. at the Klein Funeral Home-Tomball. Services will be held Tuesday June 18th 2 p.m. at Memorial Baptist Church, 22333 Kuykendahl Rd in Spring with Interment immediately to follow at Klein Memorial Park,
9714 FM 2920 in Tomball.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 100 Club of Houston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Dunbar
Rob Kimmons
July 22, 2024
I still think of Jim almost every day. A very special person and friend. Jim was e Every policeman´s policeman. Do anything for anyone he respected. One of a kind southern gentleman. Miss you my friend. Rob Kimmons
Bud Wiley
July 5, 2013
Jim and I have been friends for more than 50 years. We stayed in touch throughout that time.
Our friendship never missed a beat no matter how much time got in between visits or conversation.
We will be FRIENDS FOREVER...
He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Michael Crawford
July 1, 2013
I was his first partner when he came to solo motorcycles. I can't say enough about Jim, he was a great guy and a cherished friend. I will never forget him.
Phyllis Arnold-Cooper
June 30, 2013
My memories of Jimmy started when we were 13 years old and continued throughout our lives. I am distraught for his loving family and for myself, Jimmy was a gift in my life. For his family I wish a blessing for every tear that falls.
Russell Patterson retired APD
June 26, 2013
To the family of Jimmy my prayers go out to you . Jimmy and I were partners on the motorcycle squad in Atlanta for several years. He was one of the finest police officers I have ever had the honor to work with. Once a motor man always a motor man. R.I.P. PARTNER.
Bob Gresham A.P.D.
June 26, 2013
Rest in Peace Jim.
June 23, 2013
June 23, 2013
June 23, 2013
June 23, 2013
Lynda Cloud Breland
June 18, 2013
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jimmy. I pray that Frankie,Smitty, Renee, Steve, Ann, Todd, and Shannon find comfort in each other, and may God heal your broken hearts. I will keep you all in my thoughts and Prayers!
Lester Bashaw, Brazos Valley Council of Governments
Lester Bashaw
June 18, 2013
I was extremely saddened and shocked to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with Jim for years at HPD, and he always seemed so invincible. Many lives were made a lot better because of Jim's presence and friendship. My prayers are with the family. (Lester, HPD Retired 2004)
Bill and Darlene Brown
June 18, 2013
To The Dunbar Family - Jim was the ultimate police officer. We worked with him in the mid-1980's and remember his enthusiatic smile and zest for life. May God comfort you and keep Jim's memory in your hearts forever.
Bill and Darlene Brown (RETIRED HPD)
Maria and John McFerrin
June 18, 2013
Renee
I am with you, and keep you in my prayers.
June 18, 2013
I knew Jim through my good friend Renee, his lovely wife. I want to say thank you father God for allowing Renee to be blessed with such a wonderful man, that made all her dreams come true. She finally found her Prince. I have only heard what wondeful and amazing things he had done and what an awesome husband to Renee he was. My prayers are with the family and especially my dear friend Renee. Let God lead you all through. He is there. Just reach out to him!
Bill Weaver
June 18, 2013
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a consumate professional in all aspects and, importantly, a friend. He will be missed by many.
Sgt. Ken Wehring (HPD)
June 17, 2013
Truly a professional police officer and supervisor. Jim will be missed.
Michele "Shelly" Scheibe
June 17, 2013
Gary and I were saddened to hear about Jim. We knew him through HPD and the Private Investigations Industry. Jim was always such a gentleman and always willing to help. We will miss him. It was truly an honor to know him and be counted among his friends. May our Lord grant his supernatural peace to his family during this difficult time.
June 17, 2013
We saw Jim, and his upbeat smile, most days in our Office Building. He was a lovely person and always pleassant. Our heart and prayers go out to his loving family. Judge Mary Sean O'Reilly and Kathleen Frazier
Gene Bujnoch
June 17, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Dunbar family. Our personal memories of Jimmy will forever remain a part of our lives. Gene Bujnoch (HPD Class #77 and fellow Mounted Patrol founder) and Lisa Bujnoch
June 17, 2013
To Renee and Jim's family. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Kim Johnson
Sara Duncan
June 17, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to Jim's family and friends. I knew Jim from the Private Investigations Industry although we never worked together directly. Jim was ever the professional and always such a gentlemen! He will be missed by many! May you be blessed with gentle moments and sweetest memories.
Paul E. Brown HPD Sgt (Retired)
June 17, 2013
Dunbar Family, I am sadden by your loss. Jim was a GREAT guy.
May God give you the peace that goes beyond understanding.
Sharon McKinney
June 17, 2013
Jim & my brother Larry McKinney were best of friends, which had given me the opportunity to get to know him as well. He will definitely be missed. I will keep the family in my prayers that God gives you strenght thru this time.
Joe Pennington
June 17, 2013
To Jim's family, I along with the many other officers who worked with Jim share in your loss of a very good man. The City of Houston and the State of Texas were the beneficiaries of Jim's professional service as a Houston Police Officer and were made better by his untiring devotion to duty. Our Brother Officer is in our prayers and we thank his family for sharing him with us. Joe Pennington, HPD & Commissioner, Texas Commission On Law Enforcement
CJ Mangano
June 17, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
June 17, 2013
Renee Fawcett-Dunbar
Steven Primm
June 17, 2013
To the Dunbar family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Jim was one of the finest supervisors I have had in the police department. Jim had the best disposition of anyone I have ever known. Always smiling, always had a kind thing to say and never heard a negative comment from him. God Bless you Jim, my bet is that Jim has already taken a leading roll among the other angels! Rest in peace my friend, you have more than earned it!
Ray Hunt
June 17, 2013
A good man and a true professional. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Steve Dunbar
June 16, 2013
http://www.chron.com/default/article/The-kind-of-cop-every-cop-wanted-to-be-4604073.php
Larry McKinney
June 16, 2013
Jim and I were neighbors for 7 years and the closest of friends for the past 9. I have never known such a gentleman and kind person. He was always there for me and my family. He will always have a place in my heart. We have been deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him dearly. May your soul rest in peace my dear friend and brother.
Janis Hargrove
June 16, 2013
To the family of Jim Dunbar, You have my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I knew Jim professionally in the Investigations Private Security Industry. Jim gave me many cases to work in the past years. He was such a nice man and very professional. It was always a pleasure working for him. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead and the love of friends and family bring you peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and God bless you all during this difficult time.
Darci Templeton
June 16, 2013
I am so sad to hear about Jim, he was always smiling when I would see him at his office and always took time to say hello. Thinking of Jim's family at this very hard time..a man of class has been taken way to early.
Dana Milburn
June 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family through this very tough time. Jim and his always smiling face will be dearly missed, love ya buddy, Rest In Peace.
June 16, 2013
Jim was a fine man, a very good friend and a great officer. My thoughts and prayers are with the Dunbar family. Jim will be missed by myself and many others. Rest in eternal peace.
Jim Carr, (lt., HPD, ret.)
Wiley Mathis HPD (Ret.)
June 16, 2013
Jim and I worked together and were good friends over the years at HPD. Rest in peace my brother.
June 16, 2013
Jim was a good friend of mine when we worked at HPD. Rest in peace my brother. ~Wiley Mathis,Brenham Tx.
Charlotte Walther
June 16, 2013
Renee,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you. You are in my prayers for healing as you go through this most difficult time.
Jimmy Emmitte
June 16, 2013
To the Dunbar Family,
I'm sending my most sincere condolence. May God bless you and your family in your time of sorrow.
Randy Morris
June 16, 2013
God speed Mr. Dunbar.. You are in his hands now..
Penny Elmore
June 16, 2013
Jim was always so nice. He had the greatest disposition. He will be missed. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Sgt. J.R. Dickson HPD (Ret.)
June 16, 2013
Linda and I extend our condolences to the Dunbar family and may God give them strength in the days ahead. Jim was a fine man, a sterling policeman and it was an honor to have known him.
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