May 31, 1940 ~ April 27, 2024
James LaVon Dunn was born on May 31, 1940, in Provo, Utah, to Joseph and Leora Dunn. The youngest of three, the oldest Vern, and older sister LaPriel.
At 4 years of age, he relocated with his family to Meeker, Colorado. Jim was a ranch kid, and due to a mining accident involving his father, he ran the family ranch from a very young age.
Always a hard worker, Jim was a varsity football player and placed in the state wrestling tournament in high school senior year. It was during his senior year that he began dating Evelyn and they married in 1959. They attended CSU but before completion, Jim and Evelyn were asked to come back home to help on the family ranch. During his time at CSU, he developed a deep love for aviation, and it would stay with him his entire life.
While in Meeker, Jim and Evelyn became active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jim was called to serve as a Bishop and then later Stake President of the Meeker Colorado Stake.
Jim’s church service, after his family, became his number one priority. He later served a mission with Evelyn in the Anchorage, Alaska Mission.
Jim was a consummate salesman and dealmaker. He brokered many business and real estate deals throughout his business career and used his skills as a pilot with great success to that end.
Jim is survived by his beloved Evelyn and six children: Jeff (Kris) of Springville; Dan; David (Natalie) of Las Vegas; Jennifer (Kirke Dressler) of Orlando; Ryan (Keri) of Las Vegas; and Mike of Gilbert, Arizona. Jim and Evelyn have 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and son Joe.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 50 West Main Street, Pine Valley Utah 84781. Interment took place in the Pine Valley Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary, and funeral listings.