He is predeceased by his parents and his older brother, Robert Hayes Dunn, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Catherine Myers Dunn, who said of him “we loved each other since the day we met in 10th grade”; his daughter Cathy Diaz (Octavio) of Huntsville, AL, their children Christopher and Connor; his son James E. Dunn, Jr (Gwyn) of Greensboro, their children James, III (Monique), Fletcher (Connell), Hanes (Mary Parke), Holt; his daughter B. Lee McGarry (Mike) of Charlotte, their children Virginia Sauer (JP) and Myers; six great-grandchildren James Dunn IV, Annie Dunn, Eleanor Dunn, Fletcher Dunn, Jr, Catherine Myers Dunn and Henry Myers Sauer; niece, Blair Collie, nephew, Robert H. Dunn III (Alice), and sister in law Arlene Dunn.
Jimmy graduated from George Washington High School in Danville, Virginia and The University of Virginia where he received his B.S. in Economics and where he was selected to live on the Lawn. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 before returning to Virginia to study at Union Theological Seminary. Jimmy was recruited to join an insurance agency in Greensboro NC that grew state-wide as Senn Dunn, Inc. He became a trusted advisor to his many clients as well as to the Partners at Senn Dunn where he retired as President and CEO. Jimmy served in numerous professional associations and was a leader in the community serving as President of the Greensboro Kiwanis Club, as a charter member of Carlson Farms Club, and as a long-term volunteer with Meals on Wheels. He served as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday School for many years.
Most of all, Jimmy was a loving husband living life to the fullest through 74 years of friendship, marriage, and life with Mary Kit. He was a caring father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, Uncle, loyal friend to many, and a lover of life. He drew heavily on his experiences at UVA and especially revered its Honor System. He encouraged all he met and he lived with a sense of expectancy. He often invoked his admonition that one’s task is to move forward in quiet confidence. The family extends deep appreciation for the loving care provided by the WellSpring Community. Celebration of Life Services will be held at the Virginia Somerville Sutton Theater at 4100 WellSpring Drive in Greensboro on Saturday, February 19 at 2:00 p.m. WellSpring asks that attendees be vaccinated and wear masks for the safety of the WellSpring community. Memorials may be made to the WellSpring Employee Enrichment Fund 4100 Well Spring Drive, Greensboro NC 27410, or to First Presbyterian Church 617 N. Elm Street, Greensboro NC 27401.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Dunn family.