To have known Jim Dunn is to have loved him. A man that would do anything for anyone, who would
Always push you to do better and work harder, or to make you laugh the deepest laugh.
"My dad was the type of guy whose
life experience helped so many
people, no matter what they
needed,” said his son Sean.
“Whether they had a little car trouble in the
parking lot, needed help paying their rent, or just
a shoulder to lean on, he was there. You could always count on Jim Dunn.”
He was a man like no other, who would help
anyone and everyone—and would do so quietly
without any praise or recognition. Jim passed
away this past May at the age of 78, leaving
behind a legacy he built alongside his wife and
son that left its mark on so many.
“Jim was so incredibly proud of the business he
and I built together,” said Ann Marie. “It showed
in his passion for moving the business forward
each and every day from the most important
strategic initiatives right down to the simplest of
tasks, like stocking the water bottles or making
the shipping boxes. No job was too big or too
small for Jim Dunn and we look forward to
continuing on his legacy.”
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Jim was well-known for his incredible work
ethic, instilled upon him at a very young age
growing up in the blue-collar town of Braintree,
Massachusetts. Jim’s father passed away when
he was very young leaving his mother, a visiting
nurse, his older brother Donald, and himself to
pave their way together. His mother proved to
be the best role model for the two boys, often
working two jobs just to put food on the table.
It was at this young age that his entrepreneurial
spirit first arose, working on a paper delivery
route even through the coldest, snowy winters just
to contribute income for his family. As his paper
route expanded, he decided to feed that growth
and hired his older brother Donald to assist him
in reaching more customers.. As he got older, Jim
moved into construction where he loved being
hands on and always worked hard.
A LOVE STORY FOR THE AGES
After graduation, Jim began his work as a
Sales Representative at IBM traveling door-todoor
selling typewriters and copy machines. It
wasn’t long before Jim had spotted Ann Marie,
an executive secretary at IBM, and the chase
began.
“It was 1966, Jim and I were both working at IBM. Jim was a new hire and kept asking his associates, “who is that girl in the green corduroy mini skirt!?” He kept at it until one day in the parking lot, we crossed paths. Jim drummed up the courage to ask me out and wanted to take me to Coven’s for a hot dog! You can imagine my surprise—asking a true Italian girl to go out for a hot dog, an American food I had never even had. And so, I politely declined his invitation, and we went our separate ways,” explained Ann Marie. The chase continued day after day. It turned out that his fourth effort to ask Ann Marie out was the ticket, when Jim invited himself to go to Ann Marie’s traditional Italian family’s house for dinner.
“I could not believe his persistence. I thought to myself, ‘he is really trying’ and so I agreed. Jim walked into my family’s home that evening and got to experience a true, Italian family dinner for the first time. After all, as an Irishman, he was used to ‘good Italian food’ being Chef Boyardee! Jim absolutely fell in love with our Italian culture and cuisine that night. He couldn’t believe the way that we enjoyed a delicious spread of appetizers, charcuterie, and big bowls of pasta—but then how it continued beyond that into a large plate of meatballs, roast beef, and fried peppers and on and on. The wine was flowing, the conversation was rich, and that was how our love affair first began,” said Ann Marie. “Jim was always a man who went after what he wanted, and that is what made our love, our family, and our business so full of passion.”
“It was 1966, Jim and I were both working at IBM. Jim was a new hire and kept asking his associates, “who is that girl in the green corduroy mini skirt!?” He kept at it until one day in the parking lot, we crossed paths. Jim drummed up the courage to ask me out and wanted to take me to Coven’s for a hot dog! You can imagine my surprise—asking a true Italian girl to go out for a hot dog, an American food I had never even had. And so, I politely declined his invitation, and we went our separate ways,” explained Ann Marie. The chase continued day after day. It turned out that his fourth effort to ask Ann Marie out was the ticket, when Jim invited himself to go to Ann Marie’s traditional Italian family’s house for dinner.
“I could not believe his persistence. I thought to myself, ‘he is really trying’ and so I agreed. Jim walked into my family’s home that evening and got to experience a true, Italian family dinner for the first time. After all, as an Irishman, he was used to ‘good Italian food’ being Chef Boyardee! Jim absolutely fell in love with our Italian culture and cuisine that night. He couldn’t believe the way that we enjoyed a delicious spread of appetizers, charcuterie, and big bowls of pasta—but then how it continued beyond that into a large plate of meatballs, roast beef, and fried peppers and on and on. The wine was flowing, the conversation was rich, and that was how our love affair first began,” said Ann Marie. “Jim was always a man who went after what he wanted, and that is what made our love, our family, and our business so full of passion.”
A TRUE MARKETER'S MIND
Since its beginnings, Jim’s passion flourished
in the marketing side of the business while Ann
Marie thrived in jewelry buying, finding unusual
pieces of jewelry for their special clients—they
were truly a dynamic duo. When their son,
Sean, joined into the family business, he quickly
followed on his father’s marketing-minded path.
“The three of us have worked so beautifully
together,” said Sean about their family dynamic.
“Dad just brought it all together, he supported
me starting the online business super early and
we forged through our mistakes...he always had
confidence in my Mom as his business partner
and her uncanny knack to find the perfect piece
for our client’s special occasions.”
Jim was always using his wit and humor to come up with the next marketing campaign, a few of which have now become infamous Jim Dunn “icons.” During the late 80’s, Jim turned the hit campaign of “where’s the beef” into “where’s the gold!?” It was instantly a hit, remaining memorable in everyone’s minds.
In true Jim Dunn fashion, it didn’t just end there. At the time, Mr. T. and his infamous gold chains was all over every newspaper. Jim seized this opportunity and recreated the ad himself, modeling a seemingly infinite number of gold chains, bracelets, and rings which became “Mr. T. ain’t got nothin’ on me!” These fun-spirited campaigns caught on immediately, adored by everyone who saw them along with many, many others. There was nothing Jim loved more than coming up with something fresh and new.
Throughout his career, Jim accomplished many milestones and was honored with several prestigious accolades that meant the world to him. His entrepreneurial spirit was something engrained in him from just a young age, and so it showed. In 2002, Jim received Sun Sentinel’s Excalibur Award as Small Business Leader of the Year, a true homage to his successes. He was later inducted into the Nova Southeastern University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame as well, honoring lifetime achievements of outstanding business leaders in our South Florida Community.
Jim’s legacy lives on in every one of the past and present members of the J.R. Dunn Team who had the pleasure of learning from him. “As I began my new life in jewelry, I met an amazing man,” said Michael Bohner, former employee of J.R. Dunn. “He was the first person to come to work every day. He made me want to be there early – just to hang out with him. I’m a better person because of Jim Dunn.”
Jim was always using his wit and humor to come up with the next marketing campaign, a few of which have now become infamous Jim Dunn “icons.” During the late 80’s, Jim turned the hit campaign of “where’s the beef” into “where’s the gold!?” It was instantly a hit, remaining memorable in everyone’s minds.
In true Jim Dunn fashion, it didn’t just end there. At the time, Mr. T. and his infamous gold chains was all over every newspaper. Jim seized this opportunity and recreated the ad himself, modeling a seemingly infinite number of gold chains, bracelets, and rings which became “Mr. T. ain’t got nothin’ on me!” These fun-spirited campaigns caught on immediately, adored by everyone who saw them along with many, many others. There was nothing Jim loved more than coming up with something fresh and new.
Throughout his career, Jim accomplished many milestones and was honored with several prestigious accolades that meant the world to him. His entrepreneurial spirit was something engrained in him from just a young age, and so it showed. In 2002, Jim received Sun Sentinel’s Excalibur Award as Small Business Leader of the Year, a true homage to his successes. He was later inducted into the Nova Southeastern University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame as well, honoring lifetime achievements of outstanding business leaders in our South Florida Community.
Jim’s legacy lives on in every one of the past and present members of the J.R. Dunn Team who had the pleasure of learning from him. “As I began my new life in jewelry, I met an amazing man,” said Michael Bohner, former employee of J.R. Dunn. “He was the first person to come to work every day. He made me want to be there early – just to hang out with him. I’m a better person because of Jim Dunn.”
A PASSION FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Giving back to the community was something incredibly near and dear to both Jim and Ann Marie’s hearts. In 1996, South Florida businessman and philanthropist, Jim Moran, inspired Jim to visit a local Boys & Girls Club in Hollywood, Florida.
After the visit, Jim founded Dunn’s Run a 5k walk/run and 5-mile run benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Since its founding 25 years ago, Dunn’s Run has raised over $3.5 million dollars for The Boys & Girls Clubs—a milestone Jim was so proud of. But it didn’t stop there. Jim and Ann Marie together also support many other non-profit organizations in the local South Florida community and beyond, including the Humane Society of Broward County, first responders, Naked Warrior Project honoring fall Navy SEALS, Wounded Warrior Project, and many more. “I loved how his eyes sparkled when we would visit with puppies for our photos,” said Cheri Wachter of the Humane Society of Broward County. In 2016, Jim and Ann Marie were inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Lifetime Giving Society celebrating them as one of their top donors demonstrating a deep commitment to the kids of the club. The following year, they were inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Hall of Fame at their 50th Annual Dinner Auction.
“Jim was truly one-of-a-kind! He made a lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County by his dedication to our community and his passion for the annual Dunn’s Run. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the annual Dunn’s Run and the difference he made in the lives of so many youth,” said Matt Organ, Co-CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.
Together they were also honored in 2018 as Keepers of the City of Lighthouse Point, the small town where J.R. Dunn Jewelers and so many of its dear clients reside. The community of Lighthouse Point has always remained close-knit in nature, revolving around small local businesses which are often run by the residents themselves. “He was an incredibly kind, warm, and sweet man who greeted his clients with the biggest smile and best hug,” said longtime client and Lighthouse Point resident, Erin Clampett. “I was always excited to go in and shop because it meant I was able to spend time with Jim. He made everyone feel like family and for that, I’m forever grateful to have had the opportunity to know him.”
After the visit, Jim founded Dunn’s Run a 5k walk/run and 5-mile run benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Since its founding 25 years ago, Dunn’s Run has raised over $3.5 million dollars for The Boys & Girls Clubs—a milestone Jim was so proud of. But it didn’t stop there. Jim and Ann Marie together also support many other non-profit organizations in the local South Florida community and beyond, including the Humane Society of Broward County, first responders, Naked Warrior Project honoring fall Navy SEALS, Wounded Warrior Project, and many more. “I loved how his eyes sparkled when we would visit with puppies for our photos,” said Cheri Wachter of the Humane Society of Broward County. In 2016, Jim and Ann Marie were inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Lifetime Giving Society celebrating them as one of their top donors demonstrating a deep commitment to the kids of the club. The following year, they were inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Hall of Fame at their 50th Annual Dinner Auction.
“Jim was truly one-of-a-kind! He made a lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County by his dedication to our community and his passion for the annual Dunn’s Run. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the annual Dunn’s Run and the difference he made in the lives of so many youth,” said Matt Organ, Co-CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.
Together they were also honored in 2018 as Keepers of the City of Lighthouse Point, the small town where J.R. Dunn Jewelers and so many of its dear clients reside. The community of Lighthouse Point has always remained close-knit in nature, revolving around small local businesses which are often run by the residents themselves. “He was an incredibly kind, warm, and sweet man who greeted his clients with the biggest smile and best hug,” said longtime client and Lighthouse Point resident, Erin Clampett. “I was always excited to go in and shop because it meant I was able to spend time with Jim. He made everyone feel like family and for that, I’m forever grateful to have had the opportunity to know him.”
CONTINUING HIS LEGACY
Today, Ann Marie and Sean are dedicated to continuing on Jim’s legacy, including the completion of a complete rebuild and state-of-the-art design of our J.R. Dunn campus in 2022. Before his passing, Jim was completely immersed in the beginnings of this new chapter for J.R. Dunn. He was always thinking about the future. “Jim would have loved to have put his construction boots on one more time,” said Ann Marie. “He thrived on big projects and being in the thick of things.” We’re incredibly excited to share it with you all soon in the coming months.
COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY
Ann Marie and Sean remain committed to continuing our family tradition the trio built together in giving back to our community. “We know Jim will be smiling down on us as we launch some exciting new initiatives in our South Florida community in the coming months, including the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build where we have the opportunity to provide a family with a place to call home,” said Ann Marie. “I’m so glad I am able to be a part of kicking off this amazing project alongside such wonderful women that have made a lasting impact in our community,” she continued. Together, Ann Marie and Sean look forward to passionately carrying on the Dunn family legacy with their shared vision for the future.
