James Dunne

James Glenn Dunne - a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend - passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 2, 2026, at the age of 92, after enjoying several wonderful days with his family. He was known for his deep curiosity and boundless love, entrepreneurial and generous spirit, and strong devotion to his family,

Born “Little Jimmie”  in Pontiac, Michigan on August 23, 1933, to James Paul Dunne and Pauline Nina Adams, James was proud of his Irish roots. He was taught to box by his father and was profoundly influenced by his paternal grandmother, Maude, who raised him with patience and care. He loved to read and deeply enjoyed a love of learning throughout his life. His passion for baseball started in childhood and continued through his service, playing ball for the Marines.

James proudly served his country in the Navy as a Marine corpsman on the front line during the Korean War. Injured by a grenade, he was sent to Japan to recover, where he played baseball for the Marines. Upon returning home, he pursued higher education, earning a business degree from Northwestern University and a master's degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. James Dunne realized his ultimate ambition by founding Aamstrand Ropes and Twines. Though he officially retired over 25 years ago while his son Jim grew and led the business as President, Mr. Dunne’s founding passion for his work at Aamstrand kept him actively engaged in guiding the business and its succession to his last day.

Jim, as many knew him, shared nearly 55 years of beautiful marriage with his beloved wife, Janet (Bryla) Dunne, in a partnership filled with love, laughter, support and tenderness. Janet survives him along with a large family of six children, Laura (Mike), Jim (Jillian), Bob (Kalyani), Deb (Dave), Peg (Bill), and Megan (Joe), twelve grandchildren, Scott, Lauren (Adam), Dylan, Billy, Lynzi, Alana, Brendan, Ryan (Suzy), Lilian, Will, Sadie, and Charlie and three great grandchildren, Lucy, Isla, and Simone. James is also survived by siblings Micky Moore, Joe Bergdorf, Paul Dunne, Cara Dunne, and Tom Dunne.  The entire family is incredibly grateful for every moment that was shared with him.

Over the past 25 years, Jim Dunne found his home in St. Petersburg, Florida, traveling back to the Chicago area, most recently Evanston, each summer to spend time with loved ones. He made it a priority that his family remain close, establishing long lived traditions and increasingly new opportunities for his family to continue learning about one another and working together.

James G. Dunne always lived life to the fullest and with enthusiasm. He enjoyed current news events, playing and watching golf, boating, dining out and drinking whiskey. He was relentlessly curious, always embracing the latest technology. He always wondered about the world in awe. He always maintained a “can do” attitude and possessed a kind, generous and gracious heart, once exemplified by literally giving the shoes off his own feet to someone in need and currently shown in his anatomical gift, as he insisted his whole body be donated to science so others may continue to learn from him. He taught by example, with unwavering belief that being curious, working both hard and smart, and learning from experience leads to possibility and success. He reminds us, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life - make it matter!”

James G. Dunne  now joins his late brothers Larry and Butch, along with his parents, in peace. He will be deeply missed by so many - his family, his many friends throughout the world, and all who were touched by his caring soul and kindhearted generosity throughout his life. May he rest eternally in peace, and may we who survive him carry his legacy forward for all.

Details for Jim Dunne's Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 9, 2026, 2:00 - 5:00 PM

The Lawn Restaurant at Wilmette Golf Club

3900 Fairway Drive, Wilmette, IL, 60091

LINK TO RSVP: https://pp.events/byR9NjRJ

SCHEDULE:

2:00 – 2:30 PM: Gathering & Visiting

2:30 PM: Welcome

2:35 PM: Religious Service & Prayer

3:00 PM: Military Honors

3:10 PM: Family Reflections

3:30 PM: A Toast to Jim

3:35 – 5:00 PM: Food, Drinks, Music & Celebration
Share stories, enjoy the music, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate Jim Dunne's remarkable life.

Interment private. Arrangements entrusted to Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director. Info 847 866-8843, condolence and guestbook at evanstonfuneral.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Dunne, please visit our floral store.