James Dunham, Jr., 89, of Elkhart, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 at 6:30 am at his home with his family at his side.

James was born in Columbus, GA to the late James and Lugenia (Grissom) Dunham, Sr. and later married the love of his life Lottie Thompson on Mar. 24, 1960 in Cassopolis, MI. She ended her earthly pilgrimage in 2000 in Elkhart.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters Cheryl Dunham and Carmen Williams of Elkhart and Norma (Oscar) Bond of St. Paul, MN; devoted grandchildren Kentrell (Ashley) Brown of White Pigeon and Wanda (Clifford) Young of Elkhart; blessed sister Julie Dinwiddie and a host of grand, great grand, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends survive as well.

Preceding him in death is a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Columbus Jefferson; granddaughter Krystal Anderson, grandson Louis Williams; great granddaughter Jasmine Gregory and sister Lula Jenkins.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is honored to conduct James's services at Pilgrim Rest MB Church, 802 W. Garfield, Elkhart, on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning 1 hour prior. Pastors Danny Brown and Mike Carpenter will officiate and burial with military honors will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola by the US Army Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV 19.

James was a 40 year veteran of Penn-Central and ConRail railroads, retiring in the late 1970's as a track technician.

An avid Norte Dame football fan, nothing made James happier than to sit out on his patio with his friends and family while tending to his barbecue; sipping on Orange Crush, eating Neapolitan ice cream and scratching off lottery tickets.

He was also an honorably discharged veteran of the US Army during WWll, serving in Europe.

While this year will bring in a "different kind of Christmas" for the family, James will be seated at the feet of his Savior, the reward of a good and faithful servant.

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