Beloved husband, father and grandpa, Jim peacefully passed away in Issaquah, September 25 at the age of 90. Born in Chicago to Percy and Margaret Dunham, the oldest of 3 boys. Jim spent his early years in Arlington, MA and Chicago. Graduated from the University of Omaha, and the Squadron Officers, and Command and Staff schools.
In 1954 Jim earned his pilot's wings from Williams AFB, AZ. He honorably served 20 years in the USAF. During this time, Jim became the proud father of 3 sons, James Jr, John, and Jeffrey. The young family had some great times at the different base assignments, camping, riding bikes and playing sports. In 1972, Jim became Commander of the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Beale AFB, CA.
Lt. Colonel James Dunham's last assignment was Commander, SAC Satellite Base, Hill AFB, UT. Jim served during the Vietnam conflict. Among his awards are the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement while participating in aerial flight, and the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.
In 1974 Boeing hired Jim as an Instructor Pilot, Support Services with the Iranian Air Force. Returning home in 1977, he worked as an Instructor Pilot in Flight Crew Training. From 1988 - 1989 Jim was the Personal Pilot for the Sultan of Brunei. His 21 year career at Boeing ended as a Production Test Pilot, retiring in 1995. As Jim used to say "I never worked a day in my life."
In 1981 Jim met his sweetheart, Kathy Poxton at Boeing. They married December 24, 1984, and were married for over 37 years. They designed their dream home in Issaquah in 1987, where they enjoyed hosting family and friends. Jim was a member of the Bellevue Club for over 40 years where he played racquetball and squash. Jim was a handball champion during his time in the Air Force. Once retired, they spent the winters with their 2 cats in Tucson, AZ. They joined the Tucson Country Club, enjoying golf and spending time with friends. Jim was an excellent bridge player, an expert at Extreme Sudoku, and his iMac. Jim was a true gentleman and loyal friend. He had a positive attitude, letting life take its course, as God had planned. He was so appreciative of all his blessings. He truly loved his wife and family. Jim never complained, even when life changed for him, he remained happy. Jim with his blue eyes, brilliant mind and kind heart will be truly missed by his family and friends.
Survived by his wife, Kathy. His sons Jamie (Victoria) and Jeff (Marilyn), granddaughter Angela, and extended family. Preceded in death by son John, and his two brothers, Dick and Bob.
A sincere thank you to Dokia & Ioan Hasmasan who took wonderful care of Jim at their adult family home. Thank you, also, Elaine for your great care of Jim. Thank you to Jim's Evergreen Health Hospice team.
Memorial Mass is Thursday, December 1, at
11:00 am - 2:00 pm, St Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Mountain Park Blvd SW, Issaquah. Reception following. Private burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Museum of Flight, or Alzheimer's Association.
In 1954 Jim earned his pilot's wings from Williams AFB, AZ. He honorably served 20 years in the USAF. During this time, Jim became the proud father of 3 sons, James Jr, John, and Jeffrey. The young family had some great times at the different base assignments, camping, riding bikes and playing sports. In 1972, Jim became Commander of the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Beale AFB, CA.
Lt. Colonel James Dunham's last assignment was Commander, SAC Satellite Base, Hill AFB, UT. Jim served during the Vietnam conflict. Among his awards are the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement while participating in aerial flight, and the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.
In 1974 Boeing hired Jim as an Instructor Pilot, Support Services with the Iranian Air Force. Returning home in 1977, he worked as an Instructor Pilot in Flight Crew Training. From 1988 - 1989 Jim was the Personal Pilot for the Sultan of Brunei. His 21 year career at Boeing ended as a Production Test Pilot, retiring in 1995. As Jim used to say "I never worked a day in my life."
In 1981 Jim met his sweetheart, Kathy Poxton at Boeing. They married December 24, 1984, and were married for over 37 years. They designed their dream home in Issaquah in 1987, where they enjoyed hosting family and friends. Jim was a member of the Bellevue Club for over 40 years where he played racquetball and squash. Jim was a handball champion during his time in the Air Force. Once retired, they spent the winters with their 2 cats in Tucson, AZ. They joined the Tucson Country Club, enjoying golf and spending time with friends. Jim was an excellent bridge player, an expert at Extreme Sudoku, and his iMac. Jim was a true gentleman and loyal friend. He had a positive attitude, letting life take its course, as God had planned. He was so appreciative of all his blessings. He truly loved his wife and family. Jim never complained, even when life changed for him, he remained happy. Jim with his blue eyes, brilliant mind and kind heart will be truly missed by his family and friends.
Survived by his wife, Kathy. His sons Jamie (Victoria) and Jeff (Marilyn), granddaughter Angela, and extended family. Preceded in death by son John, and his two brothers, Dick and Bob.
A sincere thank you to Dokia & Ioan Hasmasan who took wonderful care of Jim at their adult family home. Thank you, also, Elaine for your great care of Jim. Thank you to Jim's Evergreen Health Hospice team.
Memorial Mass is Thursday, December 1, at
11:00 am - 2:00 pm, St Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Mountain Park Blvd SW, Issaquah. Reception following. Private burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Museum of Flight, or Alzheimer's Association.
Beloved husband, father and grandpa, Jim peacefully passed away in Issaquah, September 25 at the age of 90. Born in Chicago to Percy and Margaret Dunham, the oldest of 3 boys. Jim spent his early years in Arlington, MA and Chicago. Graduated from the University of Omaha, and the Squadron Officers, and Command and Staff schools.
In 1954 Jim earned his pilot's wings from Williams AFB, AZ. He honorably served 20 years in the USAF. During this time, Jim became the proud father of 3 sons, James Jr, John, and Jeffrey. The young family had some great times at the different base assignments, camping, riding bikes and playing sports. In 1972, Jim became Commander of the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Beale AFB, CA.
Lt. Colonel James Dunham's last assignment was Commander, SAC Satellite Base, Hill AFB, UT. Jim served during the Vietnam conflict. Among his awards are the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement while participating in aerial flight, and the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.
In 1974 Boeing hired Jim as an Instructor Pilot, Support Services with the Iranian Air Force. Returning home in 1977, he worked as an Instructor Pilot in Flight Crew Training. From 1988 - 1989 Jim was the Personal Pilot for the Sultan of Brunei. His 21 year career at Boeing ended as a Production Test Pilot, retiring in 1995. As Jim used to say "I never worked a day in my life."
In 1981 Jim met his sweetheart, Kathy Poxton at Boeing. They married December 24, 1984, and were married for over 37 years. They designed their dream home in Issaquah in 1987, where they enjoyed hosting family and friends. Jim was a member of the Bellevue Club for over 40 years where he played racquetball and squash. Jim was a handball champion during his time in the Air Force. Once retired, they spent the winters with their 2 cats in Tucson, AZ. They joined the Tucson Country Club, enjoying golf and spending time with friends. Jim was an excellent bridge player, an expert at Extreme Sudoku, and his iMac. Jim was a true gentleman and loyal friend. He had a positive attitude, letting life take its course, as God had planned. He was so appreciative of all his blessings. He truly loved his wife and family. Jim never complained, even when life changed for him, he remained happy. Jim with his blue eyes, brilliant mind and kind heart will be truly missed by his family and friends.
Survived by his wife, Kathy. His sons Jamie (Victoria) and Jeff (Marilyn), granddaughter Angela, and extended family. Preceded in death by son John, and his two brothers, Dick and Bob.
A sincere thank you to Dokia & Ioan Hasmasan who took wonderful care of Jim at their adult family home. Thank you, also, Elaine for your great care of Jim. Thank you to Jim's Evergreen Health Hospice team.
Memorial Mass is Thursday, December 1, at
11:00 am - 2:00 pm, St Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Mountain Park Blvd SW, Issaquah. Reception following. Private burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Museum of Flight, or Alzheimer's Association.
In 1954 Jim earned his pilot's wings from Williams AFB, AZ. He honorably served 20 years in the USAF. During this time, Jim became the proud father of 3 sons, James Jr, John, and Jeffrey. The young family had some great times at the different base assignments, camping, riding bikes and playing sports. In 1972, Jim became Commander of the 9th Air Refueling Squadron, Beale AFB, CA.
Lt. Colonel James Dunham's last assignment was Commander, SAC Satellite Base, Hill AFB, UT. Jim served during the Vietnam conflict. Among his awards are the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement while participating in aerial flight, and the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.
In 1974 Boeing hired Jim as an Instructor Pilot, Support Services with the Iranian Air Force. Returning home in 1977, he worked as an Instructor Pilot in Flight Crew Training. From 1988 - 1989 Jim was the Personal Pilot for the Sultan of Brunei. His 21 year career at Boeing ended as a Production Test Pilot, retiring in 1995. As Jim used to say "I never worked a day in my life."
In 1981 Jim met his sweetheart, Kathy Poxton at Boeing. They married December 24, 1984, and were married for over 37 years. They designed their dream home in Issaquah in 1987, where they enjoyed hosting family and friends. Jim was a member of the Bellevue Club for over 40 years where he played racquetball and squash. Jim was a handball champion during his time in the Air Force. Once retired, they spent the winters with their 2 cats in Tucson, AZ. They joined the Tucson Country Club, enjoying golf and spending time with friends. Jim was an excellent bridge player, an expert at Extreme Sudoku, and his iMac. Jim was a true gentleman and loyal friend. He had a positive attitude, letting life take its course, as God had planned. He was so appreciative of all his blessings. He truly loved his wife and family. Jim never complained, even when life changed for him, he remained happy. Jim with his blue eyes, brilliant mind and kind heart will be truly missed by his family and friends.
Survived by his wife, Kathy. His sons Jamie (Victoria) and Jeff (Marilyn), granddaughter Angela, and extended family. Preceded in death by son John, and his two brothers, Dick and Bob.
A sincere thank you to Dokia & Ioan Hasmasan who took wonderful care of Jim at their adult family home. Thank you, also, Elaine for your great care of Jim. Thank you to Jim's Evergreen Health Hospice team.
Memorial Mass is Thursday, December 1, at
11:00 am - 2:00 pm, St Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Mountain Park Blvd SW, Issaquah. Reception following. Private burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Museum of Flight, or Alzheimer's Association.
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