R. James Dunham

Prominent business owner, entrepreneur and Wellsboro native, R. James Dunham passed away peacefully on January 18, 2017 following a day of celebration and well wishes on his 86th birthday. Born to Frank L. and Mercedes Dunham on January 17, 1931, he was a lifelong resident of Wellsboro and a pillar of the community. A graduate of Wellsboro High School in 1948 and Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School in 1950, he excelled in academics, music and baseball. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, and a Master’s in Business at Syracuse University before returning to his roots to join his parents and grandparents in the family business. He dedicated his life, along with his brothers John and Bob, to Dunham’s Department Store and the entire Wellsboro community for more than 65 years.

Director of the Wellsboro Men’s Chorus for over 40 years, music was his passion. Jim was a past member of the Wellsboro United Methodist Church and a present member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, having served in the capacity of Choir Director at both. He co-chaired the Capital Campaign Committee for the Restoration of the exterior of the church and served on the Vestry.   He had the honor and privilege of being asked to sing in over 100 wedding ceremonies and was also an accomplished cornet player. Baseball was another passion and he fulfilled a dream of playing in the big leagues by attending Fantasy Baseball camps in both Florida and Pittsburgh. He was inducted into the Tioga County Sports Hall of Fame for baseball. He had a deep love for animals and enjoyed volunteering from time to time at the Animal Sanctuary. A member of Rotary, he was past President and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was on the Board of Directors for Citizens and Northern, The Deane Center, The Packer Foundation and The Penn Wells Hotel Company. He was also active in GROW and a true philanthropist, devoting hours to campaigning for Soldiers and Sailors, The Deane Center and many other community endeavors. He was an avid golfer and member of the Tyoga Country Club, also serving on the Board.

Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Miriam Davis Dunham, children, R. James III (Dianne) of Wellsboro, Peter, Jackson, WY, Bruce (Carol), Jarrettsville, MD and Judy Shaal of Delaware, OH. Step-children, Duncan Hopkins, Bolinas, CA, Richard Hopkins, Annandale, NJ, Elizabeth (Hal) Barge, Norfolk, VA, Susan (Michelle Bender) Fleischman, Beaverton, OR, and John Hopkins, Richmond, VA. He had 19 grandchildren: Bryn, Brad, Luke, Peter John, Mercy and Blake Dunham; Hannah, Jamie and Addison Shaal; Paul, Andrew, Sarah, Nathan, Robert, and Allen Hopkins; Emily and John Barge; Stephen and Anna Fleischman; five great grandchildren, Austin, Miranda, Alexa, Ali and Meg; brothers John (Nancy) Dunham and Robert Dunham, and special nieces Ann Rawson and Ellen Bryant, all of Wellsboro.

Known for his exceptional ability to remember people by name, his witty sense of humor and great one liners, he will be deeply missed, but forever treasured by his family, the Wellsboro community and his friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 3:00 pm. Family would like to invite guests to a reception in his honor, at the Deane Center, following the service. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Animal Sanctuary, The Mercedes Dunham Scholarship Fund or the Frank L. Dunham Lycoming College Scholarship. Condolences may be expressed at www.tusseymosher.com.