James A. Dunn Jr.

James A. Dunn Jr., 86, of Rome, passed away unexpectedly at Rome Health on May 22, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 22, 1940, in Rome, N.Y., one of nine children of the late James and Ellen Haley Dunn. Jim was a graduate of St. Aloysius Academy, Class of 1959. On September 9, 1961, he was united in marriage to (Ann) Joan O’Connor in St. Peter’s Church. On April 19, 1960, Jim enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. Following his honorable discharge from the service, Jim was employed with Niagara Mohawk Power Company for over 37 years.

Jim’s Catholic faith was an important part of his life. He was an active, lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and St. Peter’s Church in Rome, where he served in various ministries. He felt especially honored to be an altar server for funeral Masses. Jim and Joan were honored with the Immaculata Award for their volunteer service to St. Peter’s Church. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Rome and Utica Gas & Electric Retirement Club.

He was, above all else, a devoted family man. He dedicated his life to caring for and supporting those he loved, always putting family first. His steady presence, wisdom, and unconditional love were the foundation of his family and will remain a lasting gift to all who knew him. Jim had a way of making people feel welcomed and valued and his kindness left a lasting impression.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; five children: Michele and Mark Salisbury, North Carolina; Michael and Donna Dunn, Geneseo; James Dunn and Sue Taylor, Texas; Laura and Jeff Mack, Rome; Amanda Dunn and Tony Moore, North Carolina; five siblings: Sister Eileen Dunn, Sister Mary Ann Dunn, Michael (Colleen) Dunn, Ellen Dunn, Rose Marie (Greg) McCoy; thirteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his brother, Robert; two sisters: Sister Virginia Dunn and Joanne Gaffey; and three brothers-in-law: William Haley, William Gaffey, and Kenneth Sutton.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church Window Fund, 200 North James Street, Rome N.Y. 13440 or Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Please consider honoring Jim’s memory through acts of kindness and service to others.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4 to 6 P.M. at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11 A.M. at St. Peter’s Church, Rome. Interment with Military Honors will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Rome