James Dunn Obituary

James Earl Dunn (Jim) of Maple Hill, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 5, 2024. His wife, Janine, was with him, holding his hand and his son Jeff was nearby, as Jim peacefully passed in his sleep. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Holly Ridge Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Jim was born on April 26, 1942, in Bear Creek, Onslow County, North Carolina, to Henry James and Alene (Glover) Dunn. When Jim was two years old, his family moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he spent his formative years. He attended Cary High School. Upon his graduation in 1960, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving for 8 years. He then attended Sacramento State College, where he earned a BS Degree in Business Administration and joined the United States Air Force Reserve as an Officer, ultimately retiring with over 34 years of service and the Rank of Major.
Jim was enterprising, engaging, and a never-ending source of energy and inspiration. He wore many different "hats" during his long life. He helped to create, establish and administer innovative MediCal and Medicaid programs in California and North Carolina. He was also very active in his family's businesses - Swan Point Marina in Sneads Ferry, and Dunn Developers of Raleigh, Inc. in Raleigh.
Jim was an accomplished private pilot. He was instrument rated and logged over 3000 hours in his Cessna Cardinal 177B. He shared his joy of flying with his family and with others, including taking many youngsters for their first small plane ride as part of the Young Eagles Program for the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). He also flew many "Angel Flights," providing air transportation to hospitals free of charge for those in need. He and his Cardinal also served as an observation source for the local riverkeepers, helping them to locate possible problem areas and ensure that our waterways and estuaries stay clean and healthy.
Of the many aviation accomplishments Jim had with his Cardinal, he was most proud of the trip he took with his wife to Alaska. His goal was to fly to the Arctic Circle. He not only made it to the Arctic Circle but was able to fly to the Arctic Ocean. Truly the trip of a Lifetime!
Jim loved the ocean. In his earlier years, Jim was an avid scuba diver. He enjoyed free diving for abalone in California and working with his father in Sneads Ferry as a mate on their dive boat, the Pirate, and deep-sea fishing on the Blue Heron II.
He enjoyed working on his small farm in Maple Hill, riding his horse and motorcycle riding. A lifelong member of the NRA, he was an excellent shot.
Jim will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed.
On May 4, 1987, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Jim married Janine Woolweber, who survives, along with his son from his first marriage, Jeffrey J. Dunn; his sister, Inez Autry, and many loving extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and close friends, Mike Johnson and John Rowland, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the National Rifle Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Wounded Warrior Project or any favorite charity.