BUXTON- James Clifton Dunn, age 66, of Buxton, Maine, went home to be with his Lord on March 3, 2019 after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Jim spent the last few days of his life surrounded by his family at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough.
Jim was born in Portland on March 26, 1952, the son of Clifton and Margaret Dunn. He grew up in Bar Mills with his older brother Carl. He attended Buxton schools and Bonny Eagle High School where he was a member of the 1970 championship basketball team. Jim attended college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York from 1970-1974, where he played basketball and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.
Jim met his beloved wife Susan Harwood, daughter of Floyd and Mildred Harwood, while they were in college in Troy. They were married in 1976 in her hometown of Hartford, New York. Jim and Sue returned to Buxton to start their married life together. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Sue were married for 42 wonderful years and were blessed with three loving children, Michael, Sarah, and Stephen. He was so proud of each of them, as well as his daughter-in-law Tiffany and beautiful baby granddaughter Isla. Jim loved to sing to little Isla and see her beautiful smiling face.
Jim worked as a project manager at R.J. Grondin & Sons Construction for 32 years. He was well respected by his colleagues and friends. Jim enjoyed participating in the Boy Scouts of America with his boys, especially camping trips. He shared his love of the game by coaching his children’s youth basketball teams.
He was an active member of the Bar Mills Community Church, serving as a deacon in recent years. Jim loved his church family and helped develop the new church property by raising the flagpole and moving the bell from the old church’s River Road location to its new home.
Jim's passions in life were his wife, family, friends, and his dog Molly. Spending time with his family was his greatest joy. The family spent many holidays with Sue’s family in New York. Since their retirement, Jim and Sue enjoyed traveling with friends to Alaska, and just last October to Ireland and Scotland.
He found great peace and joy in nature. One of his favorite places was the Frost Pond Camps outside of Baxter State Park where he spent many hours fishing and hiking with his parents and brother Carl. He loved to canoe and kayak and enjoyed the quiet waters of the Saco River.
In 2010, Jim and Sue found their camp on McWain Pond in Waterford, Maine. This would grow to become one of Jim’s favorite places. The family spent many summer days swimming, boating, and hiking the nearby mountains. His preferred place to ride in the boat was up front snuggled with his dog Molly. Fishing the calm waters of the pond in his small boat or kayak brought him many hours of happiness. He enjoyed watching the sunset from the dock and nights by the campfire listening for the call of the loons with his family.
Over the last few weeks of his life, Jim visited with friends and family and charged each of them to ‘love and hug your families as often as you can’.
He is survived by his beloved wife Susan; son Michael, his wife Tiffany, and granddaughter Isla; daughter Sarah; son Stephen; brother Carl and his wife Mary Ann of Naperville, Illinois; as well as a large extended family of in-law siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday March 8, from 5:30 PM – 8 PM at the Bar Mills Community Church, 13 Hermit Thrush Dr., in Buxton (Bar Mills). A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Saturday March 9 at 1 PM at the church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bar Mills Community Church, PO Box 424, Bar Mills, Maine 04004.