SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – James “Jim” Erwin Dunn, 82, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at Tidewell Hospice in Port Charlotte, Fla., surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 7, 1943, and lived a full and meaningful life devoted to family, service, work, and community.
Jim was the son of the late Edmund “Pat” Dunn and Viola Nelson Dunn, and was raised in Springfield, Vt. He was a proud graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1961. Following graduation, Jim honorably served his country in the United States Navy from 1962-1966 during the Vietnam War.
After completing his military service, Jim returned to Springfield, where he built a long and successful professional career. He worked for several local companies, including Lovejoy Tools and Vermont Research, where he was employed for 24 years. He later joined Stryker Biotech, where he spent many years before retiring as director of global expansion.
In addition to his corporate career, Jim was an entrepreneur. Alongside his late wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Davis Dunn, he cofounded and operated Bittersweet Antiques, a business they owned and ran together for more than 20 years.
Jim was deeply involved in his community. He was a longtime member of Crown Point Country Club, where he proudly served as president. He also volunteered his time with the Springfield Planning Commission before relocating to Lake Suzy, Fla., with Sylvia Scofield Dunn, his beloved wife of 15 years, whom he had known since they were high school classmates. In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, reading, and faithfully cheering on his beloved New England Patriots.
In addition to his parents and his late wife, Betty, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Crawford Dunn, and his sister, Gail Dunn Stickney.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his son, Patrick (Carol) Dunn; and his stepchildren Kimberly (Joe) Romo, Dawn (Jerry) Sundeen Hinson, Deborah (Scott) Cope, Kathleen (Bob Holshue) Fleck, Michael (Maribeth) Makela, Eric (Sondra) Ogden, Dawn (Bruce) Wallace, Jaime Ogden, and Mark (Nakita) Ogden; and his first wife, Judy Heald Brown. He also leaves behind 24 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim will be fondly remembered and deeply missed as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a good friend to many. His quiet leadership, strong work ethic, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in late June, in Springfield, Vt. Additional details will be provided to family and friends at a later date.