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James Dunne Obituary
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Born in Cork County, Ireland, on November 13, 1940, Jim immigrated to the United States in 1960. He initially resided in University Heights, Cleveland, OH, before moving to Doylestown, PA, to be with his family in 2021.
Jim earned a bachelor's degree from Loyola University Chicago and two master's degrees from Case Western Reserve. He dedicated 35 years of his career as a high school principal at a private high school, retiring in 2007.
A passionate soccer enthusiast, Jim coached girls' soccer teams, volunteered as a high school soccer referee, and avidly watched international games. He also had a love for drawing and art. However, his favorite time was hours spent retelling the stories to his grandchildren of his childhood growing up in the small town of Mallow, County Cork, Ireland.
Jim was the beloved husband of 49 years to Laura (Gregg) Dunne; a devoted father to Meghan Perry and her husband Brian, and Kara Lander and her husband Jeffrey; a dear brother to the late Elizabeth Dunne and George Dunne; and a loving grandfather to Connor, Kevin, Lauren, Julia, James, and Elizabeth.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in University Heights, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, 6114 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44127 (https://www.bgcneo.org/).
Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family of James F. Dunne, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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Allison Secard
November 20, 2024
As a substitute teacher at Beaumont school, Mr. Dunn had a huge impact and was widely loved for his stories and wisdom. He was a great teacher and was so invested in making sure every student felt listened to. He taught us how to accept the mistakes we made with grace and joy, as visible proof we were learning and growing. He was a model of patience and gentle leadership. He cared deeply about every student he ever had. He was an amazing person and I was blessed to have the opportunity to learned from him.
Sue Riley
November 16, 2024
Jim was a gentle, caring man who frequently substituted for our teachers at Beaumont School. The young women enjoyed his presence in the classroom. He was kind soul! Sue Riley
Tim Rees
November 16, 2024
Jim Dunne is the finest man I´ve ever known. I came to Gerson in 86 or 87 as a .student I have some very fond memories of Jim throughout the decades but by far my favorite memory was more recent when I had the privilege of introducing him to my children at a Gerson reunion long after he´d retired. Good bye my friend enjoy your time off you earned it
Maureen Grey
November 15, 2024
Mr. Dunne was a kind, dedicated man with a wicked sense of humor.
I don´t think I would have made it through my teens without his support and the support of the little institution he nurtured so beautifully.
Thank you.
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Gretchen Santo
November 14, 2024
Jim Dunne was one of the kindest and most sincere people in the world. He brightened and enriched our lives each time he entered Beaumont. In the classrooms or on the soccer field, he was beloved by every one of us who had the privilege of being in his calm, loving, humorous presence. His grace and his faith will live in our hearts forever. "Safe home," Jim Dunne. You will be missed.
Tianna
November 14, 2024
I remember he smiled at me
Ian Cunningham
November 14, 2024
I 1st met Mr. Dunne in 1993 when I was struggling at my high school. I didn't fit in. I was on the verge of wanting to give up. Mr. Dunne had a connection with me instantly! My grandfather was from county cork Ireland and I was a soccer guy. He made me love school again! He changed my life along with everyone at Gerson. I hadn't met a man in all my years of schooling that impacted me and so many others like Mr Dunne. He was a true blessing. He will forever be a huge part of so many peoples lives. Rest in peace Mr Dunne and THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS.
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344 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
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