James N. Dunn

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James N. Dunn, 69, Trafalgar, departed this life Monday, Dec. 11, 2017.

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, with a Mass following at 1 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 E. Edgewood Ave., Indianapolis.
Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Born the second of three sons to Herbert and Laura Dunn, Jim was raised on Indy’s far south side. He attended Glenns Valley Elementary School, St Mark’s Middle School and Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Syracuse, IN. Jim graduated from Southport High School in 1966.
After graduation, he worked nine years for Bryant Heating & A/C (Carrier Corp. brand) as a precision inspector.
During that time, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent 16 months in Da Nang, Vietnam. He served meritoriously with the III Marine Amphibious Force and received the Naval Achievement Medal with Combat “V” device (for direct contact with an enemy).

Jim began his 36-year professional career in the retail dry-cleaning industry, joining Tuchman Cleaners in 1975. He was named president in 1982 when the company was sold to Johnson Group Cleaners, PLC, of the U.K.  During the group’s ownership, he held several executive management positions including president of Johnson Group’s Midwest Division, managing 124 retail locations in a seven-state area, and he was appointed to the board of directors. Jim retired in 2011 as president of Tuchman Cleaners and director of operations for US Dry Cleaning. He was a five-year member of the prestigious international Roundtable of Dry Cleaners & Launderers Association and had numerous other industry associations. Jim was responsible for keeping Tuchman Cleaners active in the community, becoming the official cleaner of the Indianapolis Colts, the 10th Pan Am Games in 1987, the Indianapolis Indians baseball team, the Indianapolis Racers and ice hockey teams. He and the company were also instrumental in bringing the first polar bear to the Indianapolis Zoo. Jim was widely recognized for his innovative marketing programs, efficient dry-cleaning store, plant layout and design. He was instrumental in bringing double drive-thru stores to Indiana.

Perhaps his largest and greatest contribution to the community was his innovation of the highly successful Coats for Kids program in 1986. He partnered with weatherman Bob Gregory, WTHR Channel 13 and the Salvation Army. Together, they collected, cleaned and distributed thousands of coats and other winter garments to children in the Indianapolis Metropolitan area for over 30 years.

Jim attributed much of his success to his wife, the love of his life. Vicki also served as his executive assistant for 29 years. He was extremely thankful for her patience and support.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman, gun collector, and strong supporter of the NRA. He was extremely proud of his trophy deer, antelope, buffalo, wild boar, turkey and fish mounts. He enjoyed gardening with his wife, Vicki. They were known for their outstanding produce and home canned products. He cherished 30 years of annual fishing trips to beautiful Lake Vermillion in Tower, Minnesota, with his wife and friends. He even landed a trophy muskie on one trip! Jim was also a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan.

Jim was a loving family man who was so proud of his children, Eric and Jennifer. He loved spending time with his six grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Vicki; son, Dr. Eric (Jennie) Dunn; daughter, Jennifer (Tom) Ferrell; brother, Michael Dunn; grandchildren, Nicholas, Elijah, Samantha and Abigail Dunn, Jackson and Lainey Ferrell; and 10 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, William L. Dunn.

If desired, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital for the care and support they provided grandson Jack.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at ghherrmann.com

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