James ‘Jim’ Dunbar

Jim was born on February 8, 1954 in Dearborn, Michigan to the late William and Therese (Woods) Dunbar.

Jim loved the outdoors and earned a degree in Wildlife Biology from Michigan State University before switching career paths to attend the University of Michigan where he earned his dental degree.

Immediately following graduation, he married Lynda, the love of his life in Livonia, Michigan on February 12, 1983. Together they moved “up north” to create a family where they had two sons.

Jim practiced dentistry in Manistique, but was forced to retire early due to back and heart issues. They lived several places in the Upper Peninsula including Cooks, Escanaba and Harvey and resided in North Carolina for a time.

Love of family and the Great Lakes brought them back to Marquette in 2016. Jim had a pure love of learning and pursued many interests despite his ill health including music, world affairs, woodworking, camping, hunting, fishing, and most recently gardening.

His dedication to family and sense of humor are legendary to all who knew him.

Survivors include Jim’s wife, the former Lynda Reese; two sons, James R. (Karin) Dunbar of Plymouth, MI and Daniel (Lindsay) Dunbar, DC of Marquette; one granddaughter, Lydia Dunbar; four siblings, Bill (Marylou) Dunbar, Jerry (Jan) Dunbar, Dan Dunbar, and Mary (Doug) Hoffman; also many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death besides his parents was a sister, Sue Gordon.

The Dunbar family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, August 9th at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. where a funeral service will take place at 6 p.m. with Scott Hurrell officiating. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery.

Jim’s obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.