James Dunning Obituary

James H. Dunning passed away suddenly on July 12 at his home on Hilton Head Island, SC. Jim is survived by his wife Linda; daughter Elizabeth Dunning Goldblatt (Paul); son Christopher Dunning; grandson Henry and his dog Murphy. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Dunning, the mother of his two children. Born in Chicago, Jim grew up in Glen Ellyn and retained strong ties to the Village he fondly referred to as "Brigadoon." A 1968 graduate of Glenbard West, he was a regular at class reunions, an avid follower of Hilltoppers' football, and harbored an unshakable allegiance to the Chicago Cubs and the Bears. Jim graduated from Kenyon College in 1972, and began a lifelong career in social services and law enforcement. First elected in 1985, he spent the final 20 years of his working life as the Sheriff of Alexandria, VA, with a passionate commitment to the fair, equitable and humane treatment of all individuals. While he enjoyed golf, fishing, boating and travel, Jim's primary love was people. These included his family, classmates from Glenbard West and Kenyon, the community of friends on Hilton Head, and those individuals who touched him in so many ways over the years. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 4, at 3:00 pm, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 393 N. Main Street, in Glen Ellyn. Family and friends may gather in the Church Library ½ hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the James and Nancy Dunning Memorial Fund, c/o The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, 3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302-3001; or to Pavillon, 241 Pavillon Place, Mill Spring, NC 28756.