James Dunn

Mr. Dunn was born September 23, 1937 in Altoona, Pa., a son of the late Robert F. and Jean V. Anderson Dunn. He moved to Oakmont, Pa., at a young age. Growing up, he caddied at Oakmont Country Club where he developed his love of golf. He graduated from Oakmont High School and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree and teaching certificate from Clarion State Teachers College, where he met his wife, Ellie. At Clarion he was a member of Alpha Gamma Phi fraternity.

Jim moved to Youngsville in 1963 to start his 34 year teaching career at Youngsville High School. He taught World Cultures and Driver’s Ed., and coached football, softball, wrestling, and was a starter for track. He ran the time clock for wrestling and basketball for many years. He was also a long time school bus driver.

Coaching led Jim to 40 years of service to his community as a member of the Youngsville Volunteer Fire Dept. He was concerned about player injuries with no one around to properly treat them, so he trained to become an EMT. He was currently serving as vicepresident and was also treasurer of the Home Association. His dedication to the YVFD earned him the top responder award for the past 20 consecutive years. The Borough of Youngsville Community Service Award was presented to him in 2001.

Jim was an avid sports fan, and, as a Pittsburgh boy, he was a passionate fan of all teams Pittsburgh. He also enjoyed reading, umpiring youth baseball, shooting pistols, canoeing, golfing, and traveling with his wife Ellie around the United States.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor “Ellie” L. Smith Dunn, whom he married June 6, 1959, in Clarion; his 3 children, Steven (Paula) Dunn, of Youngsville; Carolyn (Andrew) Yurick, of Warren; and James R. Dunn Jr., of Youngsville; 3 grandchildren, Alexander, Elise, and Erin Dunn; his siblings, Bonnie D.(Steve) Hookstra, of Ellijay, Ga.; Laurel D.George, of Plum, Pa.; Elizabeth Dunn Hays, of Marietta, Ga.; Rebecca (Lenny) Zucco, of Plum, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan L. Dunn; and his siblings, Robert A. Dunn; David Dunn Sr.; Lee Dunn; Judith Dunn Rupert; William Dunn; and Martha Dunn.

Friends will be received on Monday from 48 pm at the Youngsville First United Methodist Church, 225 E. Main St., Youngsville, and for 1 hour prior to a funeral service there at 11 am, with the Rev. Ricky Nelson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Youngsville Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations in Jim’s name be made to the Eagle’s Eye Club at the Youngsville High School, 227 College St. Youngsville, Pa., 16371; the Youngsville Alumni Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 73 Youngsville; or the Youngsville VFD., 29 Firemans Drive, Youngsville.

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Youngsville have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at www.nelsonfuneralhome.net.