James “Jim” E. Dunn, 95, of Belleville, IL, born on January 14, 1930, in Belleville, IL, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Charter Senior Living of Shiloh in Belleville, IL.
Jim graduated from University of Illinois in 1952 with a B.S. in Physics before joining the Army and serving until 1968. Afterward, he continued his education at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and obtained his M.S. in Physics in 1972.
After joining the church choir, Jim met and fell in love with Patricia. Marrying on Valentine’s Day in 1972, Jim also gained three daughters that day, and they enjoyed 53 wonderful years together.
Jim also loved being a grandpa to his three granddaughters, and he helped them further their studies through each graduating from Texas A & M University. Jim enjoyed woodworking and carpentry, helping to remodel his home with Patricia. He liked to putter in his shop building things and coming up with all kinds of interesting gadgets.
Jim was also a member of Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where he dedicated many hours of service. He was a caring man with a dry sense of humor who will be missed dearly.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Wendel and Alice Dunn (nee Runkwitz); and his sister, Betty Carol Dunn.
Surviving Jim are his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Dunn (nee Tolan); three children, Kathleen Haley of O’Fallon, IL, Terri L. (Patrick) Connell of Sugarland, TX, Beth A. Wuebbels of St. Jacob, IL; three grandchildren, Beth (Kenny) Espinosa, Megan (Paul) Davis, Lauren (Jeff) Kunkle; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler Espinosa, Emily Espinosa, Cooper Kunkle, and Landon Kunkle.
Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A visitation will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., at Christ Church; 339 Frank Scott Pkwy E, Fairview Heights, 62208. A funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Shane Bishop officiating.
The burial will be on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Engleman Family Cemetery in Shiloh, IL.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
