"I just learned of Mr Dunne's passing. While I did not know him personally, I knew OF him. Being a car fanatic who grew up in the age before the internet, I remember scouring through car magazines seeking out the latest spy shots of upcoming vehicles. The best were always taken by Mr Dunne. I looked forward to each and every issue, and even drove around the Milford Proving Grounds to try to meet him and see where he staked out his prey! He is a legend to car lovers everywhere. May he rest in peace, by God's side."
In loving memory of
Leo James Dunne
December 13, 1931 - August 20, 2019
Leo James (Jim) Dunne, a lifelong Detroit-area resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home in Grosse Pointe Park on August 19th, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 87.
Jim is predeceased by his daughter Nancy Dunne and grandson Joseph Bauer. He is survived by five daughters and two sons: Deborah Mettenleiter (Bernhard); Mary Jo Finkenstaedt (Timothy); Patricia Dunne (Mark Kinsman); Michael Dunne (Merlien); Frances Bauer (Raymond); Timothy Dunne; and Julie Dunne (Jennifer).
Jim is also survived by Janet A. Dunne, the mother of his children and by 12 grandchildren: Evelyn Mettenleiter-Le, Michaela Mettenleiter, Mary Grace Bauer, Raymond Bauer, John Paul Bauer, Tyler Dunne, Cody Dunne, Nina Dunne, Kormack Dunne, Raphael Dunne, Aurelia Dunne, and Connor Dunne.
Jim was born on December 13, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Leo and Evelyn (Normandin) Dunne. He was raised in a family of ten siblings: Jack, Therese, William, Celestine, Joseph, Robert, Richard, Anne, Patricia and Dennis.
Jim graduated from Catholic Central High School in Detroit, and received a bachelors degree in Industrial Management from the University of Detroit. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
After completing his service in the army and earning his university degree, Jim worked at several jobs before finding his passion: automotive journalism. He was a writer, editor, and photojournalist for 45 years, only going into semi-retirement at the age 77. Jim was revered by many in the auto industry as mentor and friend.
Jim was the greatest automotive spy photographer who ever lived, an avid sport fisherman, and for 40-plus years spent summer vacations fishing the waters of Cape Cod Bay. Jim also loved playing tennis, gardening, telling stories, and spending time with family and friends.
Jim will be deeply missed. May God hold him in the palm of His hand, until we meet again.
Visitation
Thursday, August 22, 2019
3-8 pm
Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home
16300 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
7:30 pm Rosary
Funeral Mass
Friday, August 23, 2019
10 am
Instate: 9:30 am
St. Clare of Montefalco Church
1401 Whittier Road
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters:
http://www.adriandominicans.org/
Tributes
"Great Uncle with an awesome sense of humor. Carry on, soldier !"
"Over the last several years I have returned to Grosse Pointe on short visits. I made it a point to stop and say hello to Mr Dunne. He always was welcoming and shared many stories and photos with me. We discussed at length our common service in the Army. He always made me feel proud of that service. He is a great man and he will always be remembered in my heart. My love to my friend Tim, and all his family. Ever forward Mr Dunne"
"Condolences to the Dunne Family. Jim was such a great guy and neighbor. RIP "
"Despite his skulduggery, Jim Dunne held to the highest professional standards in automotive photo journalism. Not once in my 35 year career at Chrysler Corporation (now FiatChrysler Automobiles) did he ever hit me up for insider information. He set the bar at the highest level for integrity for all automotive journalists to follow. I miss this man who I will always remember as Uncle Jim. "