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Submitted: 4/12/19 • Approved: 4/20/19 • Last Updated: 4/23/19 • R1264544-G1264544-S3
James
February 25, 1923 - June 2, 2008
*Obituary
The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
GARFIELD — James Robert Dunham of Garfield died June 2, 2008. Born to Elmer and Myrtle Francis Dunham, James Robert became the middle child — sandwiched between a bigger sister, Dolores, and a little brother, Donald. During his life, Dad gave his all in energy and vigor for what he loved. But these little ones would know heartache at a time when stuffed toys and pretty dolls should have been their only concern.
At the age of 3, his mother died of tuberculosis, leaving three small children behind. During the winter months, they were provided for by aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends. Those were hard times as the Great Depression took its ugly toll on so many families. Dad moved around for farm work with his father during the summer months. That's when he met our mother, Cynthia Vander Ploeg. It was love at first sight, or that's what we think. As he rode his horse, he saw Mom as she was bathing in a water tank, but please note that he was 8 years old and she was 3. This was only the first meeting. Through encounters in local church socials, they began to date.
Dad and Mom fell in love at the worst of times. The Great Depression was lingering when World War II exploded onto the scene. Against his father's wishes, Dad joined the military on April 1, 1943, and was sent to North Africa with America's troops to counter Germany's forces. The southern campaign of allied forces pushed Germany, and that put Dad in harm's way in Morocco, Sicily and then Italy. He was a scout, a Ranger and eventually promoted to squad leader. His military career abruptly ended when at six miles from Rome, he was severely shot. Throughout "the war," he sustained nine bullet wounds. As a result of his bravery, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantry Badge and the Eame Ribbon with two Battle Stars. Dad was released from the Army on July 13, 1945.
Waiting back home, he arrived to Cynthia's warm embrace and loving heart. They married, and eventually were in South Dakota ranching. At the nearest hospital, throughout 12 years, four wonderful and lively daughters were added to the Dunham mix, Myrtle Janet, Sandra Kay, Carroll Diane and Ruth Ann. At a later date, Jaclyn Roberta (another daughter) was added. Five daughters all total.
As the small rancher was eased out of the economy, Dad and Mom moved to Casper, Wyo. In 1961, Dad became a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He pledged 28 years in public service.
During those years, he actively enjoyed hunting elk, deer, antelope and other live game. He eventually would outfit and guide out-of-state hunters during vacation time. He truly enjoyed the outdoors. He retired in 1983 from the USPS and moved to Arkansas. Although retired, he was always there to guide and love his five daughters, 12 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.
When we think of him, we will remember him as a horseback rider, a military hero, a cowboy, a rodeo champ and a hardworking father. We will miss the gentle man that we came to know as Dad. Our hearts will beat a little faster and our eyes will tear up as we stand proud as the living legacy of James Robert Dunham.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. Burial will follow in Ruddick Cemetery at Garfield.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Cynthia
August 25, 1928 - January 9, 2018
*Obituary
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Friday, January 12, 2018
GARFIELD — Cynthia Dunham, 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 9, 2018, at her home in Garfield. She was born to Charles William and Mayme Janet (Walkling) VanderPloeg on Aug. 25, 1928, at Crookston, Neb.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James, youngest daughter, Jaclyn Baugh, son-in-law, James Kennedy, granddaughter, Camilla Ashley, and her great-granddaughter, Brittany Braun. She is survived by her daughters: Jeannette Nida and husband, Jerry, Sandra Kennedy, Ruth Obert and husband, Buddy, all of Garfield, Carroll Dunham of Bentonville, Michael Silk of Springdale, 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 13 at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers from 2-3 p.m. Service and interment will follow at Ruddick Cemetery, Garfield, Ark. The family would like to send our sincerest thanks to Circle of Life, Bentonville and our undying gratitude to Mandi Nussbaum, our hospice nurse who helped us through the tough times. Bless You All!
Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers. For full obituary please visit www.rollinsfuneral.com.
Married December 19, 1944
Contributed on 4/12/19 by wfields55
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Record #: 1264544