James Allen Dunaway, Sr.
July 21, 1938 - August 16, 2025
James Allen Dunaway, Sr. was born in McComb, Mississippi on July 21, 1938, to Hulon Jesse Dunaway and Leo Alberta Barron Dunaway. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 16, 2025, with his loving and devoted wife, Janene, at his bedside.
The family lived in Tylertown until 1952 before moving to Bogalusa where James graduated from Bogalusa High School. James joined the Bogalusa Fire Department in 1961 and obtained his lifelong dream in 1990, when he was named Chief of the Bogalusa Fire Department. During his tenure as chief, the city obtained the lowest insurance rating in the history of the city and major department policies were updated, which remain in force today. James retired after thirty-six years’ service on December 1, 1996, after being injured on October 23, 1995, and this left a void in his heart for the rest of his life. In 2002, James began his second career in golf course management, having been made general manager of Gemstone Plantation Golf Course and officially retired in 2013.
His dedication to public safety, his deep love for family and community, and his spirit leave behind a legacy that will endure in Washington Parish for generations to come. A lifelong Brooklyn Dodger fan, he then followed them as his Los Angeles Dodgers team. You would normally see James dressed in his LSU attire as their #1 fan in all sports! James spent many days on ball fields coaching little league football, baseball, and basketball. He also was a basketball referee and softball umpire where many lifelong relationships were formed and are still present today. In the last few years, he and Janene have made many friends with LSU ladies’ basketball and softball team’s fans, being a Diamondbacker and Fast Break Club member.
James was an active member of Magic City Carnival Association (MCCA) and served as den lieutenant of the Den of Magic Chaos for eight years and is a charter member of the Den of Zeus. James served as Duke for five different royalties before being named King in MCCA XXXVI. He is currently a member of Kings Club.
He is survived by his wife, Janene Stewart Dunaway; a son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Minnie Dunaway; his daughter and son-in-law, Dena and Kevin Willis; six grandchildren, Tera (Brent) Holmes, Kara (Graham) Guillory, Jesse (Brady) Hitt, Molly (Ryan) Michiels, Kyle (Ashlyn) Edwards, Cole Edwards; great-grandchildren, Brady Holmes, Gabriel and Greyson Guillory, Rory Michiels, Aubrey Ann Hitt; a brother and sister-in-law, George and Margie Dunaway; brother and sister-in-laws: Densil and Joy Stewart, Steve and Caroline Stewart, and Terry Stewart, a special “aunt”, Dollie Hobgood; sister-in-laws, Belle Dunaway and Debbie Dunaway.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Hulon and Alberta Dunaway; three brothers, Rayford, Lawrence, and Joe; father and mother-in- law, Robert W. “Bill” and Laverygne Stewart, sister-in-law, Tammy Carter Stewart; his beloved fur babies, Miss Birdie, Mia, and Lady (who will be laid to rest with him).
Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5-9 PM at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home chapel and will resume on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church beginning at 9:30 AM followed by services at 11:00 AM, to be officiated by Reverend Leon Hickman, Reverend Marcus Rosa, and nephew Reverend Ray Varnado.
No comments:
Post a Comment