James William Dunegan
August 6, 1947 - October 20, 2014

"Jimmie joe, his cousin David B., myself(R) and my brother Terry(T-bird) nicknamed by jimmie, use to play baseball and football together. I remember my brother and myself learned to run faster when jimmie was about to tackel us!! Another great memory was a end of season baseball game under lights when i rode in jimmie's car with David B. and I made the last play at 2nd base to tag out David to win the game, then had to ride home sitting between them. Those two Jimmie & David were were always together. I lost track when i moved away and joined the military. The strange thing, i learned that jimmie was in Az. for awhile and i live in az. wish i had known. from Randy and t-bird"

"Jimmy Joe was a friend and neighbor to my sister, LeAnn Haley, and me in Phoenix, AZ in the '70s-'80s. We spoke of him many times after he moved back to Iowa (we too are Iowans). Recently LeAnn decided to look for him on the internet and that is how we came to learn of his passing. I just watched the video of his service and tears welled up as I thought of him at the Hy-Vee and with his bevy of cats. He had his bird when he lived near us and we can't forget her sitting in his cowboy hat on a bar stool or on our shoulders at this apartment. How he loved these tiny creatures which looked even smaller in his large hands. He took us camping once and the stories from that weekend are legendary in our family. Poor LeAnn who hated to camp sleeping on an air mattress with a leak on a bed of rocks. But Jim wanted us on that trip to one of his favorite places to get to in his Bronco. We won't forget the anniversary of his daughter's passing which he commemorated each year with tears and how proud he was of her sister, wishing they were closer. May perpetual light shine on him - he deserves it."

"I knew Jimmy for over 40 years and was very sorry to learn of his passing. He will be missed by many good friends. My prayers go out to his family for peace and grace."

"He was a terrific guy - my first crush in ninth grade at Oak Street Junior High. He will be missed by many and gone too soon. My condolences to his family. "

"Jim and I were room mates at Bacone Jr. College and we had several great times . The one classic time that I will always take with me is when we were playing at Bacone in the regional championship. Jimmy Joe came to bat and they were going to walk him. Well Jim changed that and reachd out across the plate and hit an unbelievable home run!! Coach Semore was shocked, mad and then HAPPY!! We won and Jim signed with the Cubs before we went to the Nationals. He was the greatest player that I ever played with!! He was my big brother and FRIEND!! Love you Jimmy Joe!! Hit a few in the heavens."

"The Dunegan family lived a couple of doors down from us in Flint Hills Manor. Christine is still a very treasured friend. When we were young Jimmy Joe (whose middle name was William?) taught me how to whistle by sucking in my lips and blowing. That took loads of practice which made my mouth a bit achy for awhile, but I finally aced it. Years later when my son was growing up in CA I used that whistle to call to him when he was outside. In September of this year during our trip to Iowa, I automatically used the whistle to call to our Grandboys when they were getting too far ahead of us at the Marshalltown Oktember carnival. Both boys were quite impressed and asked how I learned to do it. I told them (they're 11 and 9 years old) that they could thank Jimmy Joe Dunegan for that! Maybe I'll teach the whistle to them the next time we're together. Thanks, Jimmy, for that. Be happy at Home in Heaven with so many of your loved ones. Praying for God's comfort and peace for your loved ones still here who are greatly missing you."

"Jim and I were on the same little league team that won the Iowa state championship in 1960. I was an alternate -- the last player chosen -- and Jim was the star -- the first person chosen. That experience has been a lifelong memory and I cannot tell you how many times I've told the story of that team being "carried" by one guy -- Jim. Jim was larger than life and an inspiration for so many of us. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing."

"Friend years ago of his sister Chris. He was bigger than life. Nice family. So sorry to hear of his passing."

"He will always be my number 1."

"Jollies- biking down airport runway on our shortcut to ball practice; hot rodding his new GTO (Cubs money); keeping him awake in BHS chemistry. Impressive- played safety and punted for ISU in his first year, quit, went to Bacone JC and led them to JC World Series Championship win. Mighty feats- ran gym class 100 yds. in Chuck Conners, on cinder track, no blocks - 11 secs; carried me up a steep hill on his shoulder after I broke my ankle ice skating! RIP, Big Jim. John Schoell"

"Jim was a "Manor Brat." We all knew each other. In later years as I watched his dynamic athletic prowess, he never changed. When seeing me in the halls, it was "Hi Dabs." Saw him at his 45th class reunion and the "Hi Dabs" was the same as before. He "made it to show." That alone makes him an Icon in BHS history. RIP Jim "

"Jim was a great ambassador for the class of '65. He had the ability to make everyone feel like they were one of his best friends. "

"Jim and I were friends since our beginning days at Flint Hills school. We were sports buddies in middle school and on and I admired his abilities. I will miss his hardy greeting and broad smile as we attended our High School reunions. God be with you my friend as you were too young to leave us."

"As Homecoming approached, I had no plans. Out of the blue, I got a call from Jim and was surprised he even knew who I was. That evening remains a special memory."

"I will always remember Jim as a good friend that would do anything for you if he liked you. Fierce competitor both as a rival and as a teammate. Lots of good memories I will cherish. Always fun to be around and so full of life. God's speed, Jim. You are definitelly going to be missed by us all."

"I wish to extend condolences to the Jim Dunegan family. Jim was one of my super star hero classmates. When Jim was 9 he was picked by my father, Bud Green, to play on his little league team for the north side of town. Jim and the other members of the Tigers team finished in first place in our league every year he played in Little League. It was great to be on a winning team. That winning team won the state of Iowa Little League tournament and participated in the Regional tournament of the Little League World Series. Jim led his high school team baseball team to greatness. I know my father always felt proud that one of his little league players played for the Chicago Cubs. I have great memories of playing Little League and watching my good friend, Jim, participate in sports and be a good friend to us all in school. Jim will be missed by all but not forgotten. Tom Green BHS Class of 65"

"Dear Old Friend... So very many fond and fun memories!!! Certainly the 'hero' of the Class of '65... Bigger than life, Jim never knew a stranger... He was ever ornery... but had a heart of gold!!! He will be missed! RIP #3"

" I'll miss you stopping by to say hello while you were waiting to get your Pizza Hut pizza to go home! Tell everyone in heaven I said hello and until we meet again not goodbye!!!"

"Jim will be missed,always had a smile,joke or story to tell when he would visit us at Westland Fast Break. He was our buddy."

"I was so very sadden to hear of Jim's passing. I will miss him coming in the grocery store with his big smile, a big hug, and the fun conversations. My thoughts r with his family at this time. He was one of a kind and will be missed but never for gotten. Bye my friend"

"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. My first memory of him is when he came to school for the first time in fourth grade or thereabouts, having just moved here from Michigan as I recall, and I was stuck inside for recess for some reason. The guys all came in from recess saying, "Woody, this new kid can hit the ball further than YOU can!" And he always could. We had some great times together."

"Jim and I were friends beginning at Flint Hills Elementary through Oak Street Jr. High to BHS. My wife and I mourn your loss and will miss seeing him on the occasions when we return to Burlington."

"I want to send my condolences on the loss of Jim. I knew him through where I worked. He called often and I really enjoyed our talks about the "good ole days" of baseball. My son plays and we talked a lot about the love of the game. Will be thinking of you all!"

""Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming .... WOW what a ride." Mark Frost Bless you Jim!"

"Jim was a good friend and buddy and will be missed a lot . The best song that describe Jim was I DID IT MY WAY, gy FRANK SINATRA. I will miss him......."

"I didn't know Jim well, but I remember him being one of the nicest of the popular kids in our Class of '65."

"Great high school buddy; great athlete; gone too soon. "

"Jim was an awesome and raw talent in his youth. I felt blessed to have him as a teammate, role model, and friend- doubly lucky to never have faced him in the batter's box! We played together on many teams from Little League baseball through Oak Street and BHS football. He was respected and admired by everyone who played with or against him. The last time I saw Jim was many years ago. I think he had just been released by the Cubs. We reminisced fondly and at length about our glory days in sports. I could not detect a trace of disappointment or bitterness in him about his career in baseball now over. Such is the stuff of legends. Such are the memories that seem never to die. "

"We have been Friends with Jim and his family for many years. Brother, Jerry and Jim were very good friends and played Greyhound football together. Tom played Baseball with Jim in little league. They won the Iowa State Little League Championship in 1960. We sure will miss his "joking around" and orneriness.. He always had a SMILE on his face. Going to miss him~ A Blessing in our lives. Love and Aloha~~Jimmy Joe~ Give Brother, Jerry~~ a Big Hug from us! Tom and Geri "

"My deepest condolences to Jim's family. Jimmy Joe was a legend and a friend. He won't be forgotten and he can't be replaced."

"A wonderful man and good friend. He leaves behind many fond and funny memories. God Bless."

"I've known Jim since we were in 3rd Grade together. A great guy and even greater friend."

"Jim always had a smile and a hug for everyone"

"He always had a smile on his face! Great person!"

"Jim brought a smile to every room he entered. He had a great soul and I'm sure he'll make heaven an even happier place. We will miss you, "son"! "

"My condolences. Jim was my high school football teammate. He was my quarterback. I did everything to protect him back in the day. I will miss him for the rest of my life."

"My condolences to Jim's family. Many memories when we were young. So pleased I was able to speak with him a couple months back. Heaven is a better place today. RIP Jim "

"I sure will miss seeing Jim's smile when he was at the grocery store. What a nice guy. I am so sorry for your loss. "

"You will be missed by many...your jokes, stories and genuine friendship, I will always treasure. My sympathy goes out to all of Jim's family."