James Joe Dunn, 88, of Bristow Point, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.  Viewing will be Monday and Tuesday, January 6 and 7, at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home, with a Rosary scheduled for Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation with the family.  Funeral mass will be Wednesday, January 8, at 12:00 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in McAlester.  Cremation will follow.  Pallbearers are James Dunn, Travis McClellan, Jed Dunn, Trenton McClellan, Hunter Walters, and Tommy Dunn.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus.

James J. Dunn was born on February 25, 1936 in Norman, Ok. to Nelson Dunn and Kathlyn (Wyatt) Dunn-Bacon.  He grew up in Norman and graduated from Norman High School.  He continued his education by getting certification as a machinist through the state Vo-Tech system, then went on to college and earned a Master's Degree in Education.  After he completed his education, he went to work for the state Vocational and Technical education system as a machinist instructor .  His career with the Vo-Tech system took him several places.  He started in Norman and Moore, then went to Stillwater, and finally to McAlester, all as a machinist instructor.  He was even responsible for writing some of the curriculum for the machinist courses.  He retired from Vo-Tech in the early 1990's and went to work for National Oilwell, working as a machinist, finally retiring for good after 10 years with National Oilwell. James also served in the Oklahoma Army National Guard 45th 700th Support Battalion for over 10 years. In his spare-time, James became an accomplished wood-worker and leather worker.  He was also a member of St. John's Catholic Church and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

James is survived by his children, James Dunn and wife Jennifer, Kori McClellan and husband Travis, and Jed Dunn; a brother, Rodney Dunn; a sister, Donna Kay Jarrell; 7 grandchildren, Emily L. Dunn, Trenton McClellan and wife, Jacee, Hunter Walters, Thomas J. Dunn, Hannah E. Dunn, Kylee-Jo Dunn and Grace-Lyn Dunn; 1 great grandchild, Palmer McClellan and special friend, Dianna Gustafson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Capt. Nelson Dunn; his mother, Kathlyn Bacon, his step-father, Donald Bacon; an uncle and aunt, Hammy and Barney Hamilton; and his grandparents, Charles and Effie Dunn, and Lillard and Lilly Wyatt.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff at Elara Hospice for caring for our dad. Your kindness, dedication and support will never be forgotten and we are forever grateful.