Ferry
Funeral Home with burial to follow at Grandview
Cemetery and a celebration of life at the Eagles
Lodge at 4:00 p.m.James was born on July 29, 1927 in Walla Walla, Washington to Jesse and Ada (Whitlow) Dunnington. At a young age he moved to Council, Idaho with his mother and older brother Robert to his grandparents William and Mary Whitlow’s cattle ranch. There he was raised until his teenage years when he moved to California. After high school he enlisted in the Navy in 1945. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to the ranch in Council, Idaho.
James met the love of his life and married Peggy Sue Larsen on June 3, 1951 in San Jose, California. They had 3 children, James, Kenneth, and Keli. In 1970 he moved his family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They moved to Vay, Idaho in 1976, and to Naples, Idaho in 1979. James was married to Peggy for 46 years until her passing in 1997.
In 1998 James met Karyn South she became his loving companion for 16 years until his death.
James worked as a truck driver for Western Gillette Inc. and then for Convoy Company where he was a highly respected driver and earned many safe driving awards. He retired in 1980.
James enjoyed hunting, fishing and being in the outdoors. He enjoyed his family and loved to barbecue at family gatherings. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Bonners Ferry.
James is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy Sue and son Kenneth William.
He is survived by his loving companion Karyn South, his son James and wife Chery; Daughter Keli and husband Brian; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Robert Dunnington of Fort Bidwell, Washington, sisters: Gloria Kolesar of Salinas, California, and Shirley Scothia of Modesto, California. James is also survived by his “loving adopted daughters” and many close friends.
He will always remain in our hearts and be greatly missed. We love you – until we meet again.