Judge James R. Dunn, beloved father, husband, and grandfather, passed away on February 23, 2024, following complications from a stroke. His loss is felt deeply by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were privileged to know him during his 86 years of life, and 60-year legal career.
Jim Dunn was a warm, compassionate, and patient man who loved his family, and was admired for his work ethic, intelligence, temperament, and dedication to public service and justice.
A native of Los Angeles, he was born on July 26, 1937 to William Edward Dunn and Bernice Theresa Dunn. Their family was in the jam and jelly business for generations, and sold Dunn’s preserves throughout L.A. county.
Jim graduated from Van Nuys High School and went on to Stanford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering in 1959 and a Juris Doctorate degree in 1962.
He served as a Civil Rights Enforcement Attorney with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in Washington DC from 1965-1967; a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County from 1967 to 1969; a partner at Pines & Dunn and in private practice from 1969-1976; and as head of the Federal Public Defender’s office from 1976 to 1984.
In 1984, Jim joined the law firm of Bryan Cave as a partner, with clients such as Honda and McDonnell Douglas, spending a year in Kuwait with an international legal team in the aftermath of the Gulf War (PAAC).
In 1999, Governor Pete Wilson appointed Jim to the Los Angeles Superior Court. While on the court, Jim served as the chair of the California State Bar, Federal Courts Committee, and vice-chair for the Los Angeles County Bar, Superior Courts Committee. In addition, Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Bar, Dispute Resolution Services.
Jim was a devoted husband to his wife of 37 years, Wendy M. Dunn, who passed away in 2008. They leave behind their children: Jason, Greg, and Meghan, and grandchildren: Elizabeth, Niko, and Alex.
Jim was a lifelong student of Christian Science, and recently served as a Board member, treasurer, and Sunday School teacher at 43rd Church of Christ, Scientist in Los Angeles. He was passionate about history and technology, took pride in his garden, and had a real talent for drawing and singing. He also had a knack for storytelling, and would read to his grandsons regularly over FaceTime across time zones. On weekends he often watched football with friends. He has been known and loved for the stable presence he has been in the lives of many, as both a mentor and friend.
Family and friends are invited to a visiting hour to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 11:30am to 12:30pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura, where funeral services will be held in the funeral home's chapel at 12:30pm. Interment will then follow at 2pm in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura. Please call Meghan at (805) 338-2887 for more information, or email her at [email protected]
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wendy Dunn Memorial Scholarship at Ventura College, a scholarship Jim founded that is awarded to students who have overcome adversity in their lives. Donations can be made to “Scholarships” at https://venturacollegefoundation.org/donate/, please write in “Wendy Dunn Memorial Scholarship” to specify.