It will be forty years ago this week, on January 12, that Jim Dunda died from injuries received in an auto accident. In his memory, I would like to share something of his life after high school with our classmates.
Jim went to Brown University where he was a quarterback and held Ivy League records for total offense and passing in 1963 and 1964. He was named to the university’s All-Time Centennial Passing Team, made up of the best passers of the university’s 100 years of history.
Many of the Brown football games were written up in TheNew York Times. Some of the newspaper headlines over the three years that Jim played include: Dunda Is Threat for Ivy Laurels: Brown Star in Race for Top Quarterback in League; Dunda Expected to Guide Team Out of Ivy Cellar; Dunda is Standout for Brown. He sure did WHS proud!
Jim and I were married in 1965 and we moved to New York City for graduate studies. Jim entered New York University Law School and worked in the summer for the Queens’s District Attorney’s office. He graduated in 1968 with the degree of juris doctor and joined the prestigious Park Avenue law firm of Marshall, Bratter, Green, Allison and Tucker. Jim kept long hours, like most young lawyers, and loved his work.
Shortly before he died he had joined the law firm of Anchelewitz, Barr, Ansell, and Bonello in Asbury Park. One reason for the move was to return to New Jersey and lay the groundwork for a possible run for political office. He would have been a wonderful senator or similar, but sadly that was not to be.
At our 50th reunion several former WHS athletes shared their memories of him with me. Thanks!
Ginny, It's the other Ginni here!!!! Yes, Ginni Mayer Swenson. Have been away from the site for a long time....2 grandkids worth, I believe, but came upon your tribute to Jim. It was just wonderful to hear how you both fared after marriage. Icame up for the 25th reunion and saw Chris Stockel, Maryann, John Ryan, Linda Leonard Hammer, Ann Nemes Mrazek at Chris' housefor a cocktail party, but sadly haven't been back since. Was wonder ful to hear about you and hope you are doing well. I'm a little sentimental writing this as I just hit the big 70 yesterday!!!!!
Where did the time go?????? Ginni coastalgin@tampabay.rr.com
I often think of Jim. There was a compassionate side of Jim that not too many of his friends experienced. Although I never saw Jim again after high school, I do have many fond memories of the times we spent growing up together in Avenel. Jim was and still is my hero.
I did not know Jim in HS but was aware of his presence. I do believe he would have been an asset to our country had he entered politics. Sorry for you loss and ours.
Another Ginnie ( Cashion) here entering comments on Jimmy who was very well known and respected in his hometown of Avenel. In my mind I keep hearing "only the good die young". Jimmy is not forgotten. Thank you Ginny for sharing higlights of Jimmy's life. All the best to you.
Virginia Schein
It will be forty years ago this week, on January 12, that Jim Dunda died from injuries received in an auto accident. In his memory, I would like to share something of his life after high school with our classmates.
Jim went to Brown University where he was a quarterback and held Ivy League records for total offense and passing in 1963 and 1964. He was named to the university’s All-Time Centennial Passing Team, made up of the best passers of the university’s 100 years of history.
Many of the Brown football games were written up in The New York Times. Some of the newspaper headlines over the three years that Jim played include: Dunda Is Threat for Ivy Laurels: Brown Star in Race for Top Quarterback in League; Dunda Expected to Guide Team Out of Ivy Cellar; Dunda is Standout for Brown. He sure did WHS proud!
Jim and I were married in 1965 and we moved to New York City for graduate studies. Jim entered New York University Law School and worked in the summer for the Queens’s District Attorney’s office. He graduated in 1968 with the degree of juris doctor and joined the prestigious Park Avenue law firm of Marshall, Bratter, Green, Allison and Tucker. Jim kept long hours, like most young lawyers, and loved his work.
Shortly before he died he had joined the law firm of Anchelewitz, Barr, Ansell, and Bonello in Asbury Park. One reason for the move was to return to New Jersey and lay the groundwork for a possible run for political office. He would have been a wonderful senator or similar, but sadly that was not to be.
At our 50th reunion several former WHS athletes shared their memories of him with me. Thanks!
Ginny Schein
Evelyn Kantor (Olson)
Wonderful tribute, Ginny, I remember you both well.
Evelyn Kantor Olson
Virginia Mayer (Swenson)
Ginny, It's the other Ginni here!!!! Yes, Ginni Mayer Swenson. Have been away from the site for a long time....2 grandkids worth, I believe, but came upon your tribute to Jim. It was just wonderful to hear how you both fared after marriage. Icame up for the 25th reunion and saw Chris Stockel, Maryann, John Ryan, Linda Leonard Hammer, Ann Nemes Mrazek at Chris' housefor a cocktail party, but sadly haven't been back since. Was wonder ful to hear about you and hope you are doing well. I'm a little sentimental writing this as I just hit the big 70 yesterday!!!!!
Where did the time go?????? Ginni coastalgin@tampabay.rr.com
Buddy Owens
Ginny,
I often think of Jim. There was a compassionate side of Jim that not too many of his friends experienced. Although I never saw Jim again after high school, I do have many fond memories of the times we spent growing up together in Avenel. Jim was and still is my hero.
Buddy
Karen Erikson
I did not know Jim in HS but was aware of his presence. I do believe he would have been an asset to our country had he entered politics. Sorry for you loss and ours.
Karen
Ginnie Cashion (Dobrek)
Another Ginnie ( Cashion) here entering comments on Jimmy who was very well known and respected in his hometown of Avenel. In my mind I keep hearing "only the good die young". Jimmy is not forgotten. Thank you Ginny for sharing higlights of Jimmy's life. All the best to you.
Carol Kotler (Atlas)
So sorry for his loss; he was agreat guy, loved by all.
Carol Kotler