James Leonard Dunkley's Obituary
James Leonard Dunkley, lovingly known as "Grandpa Duck," passed away on February 9, 2025 in San Marcos, California, at the age of 87.
James was born on January 6, 1938, in Payson, Utah. A man of intellect and curiosity, he pursued higher education with dedication, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in the same field from Arizona State University. His career as an electrical engineer was marked by innovation, holding multiple patents for microchip designs. He served as a corporate fellow for Texas Instruments, where his contributions left a lasting impact on the industry.
He loved his country and proudly served in the US Army Reserves.
Beyond his professional achievements, James had a deep love for learning and exploration. His interests spanned motorcycles, ham radios, astronomy, music, and photography. He played the trumpet in school and found joy in singing in the Cedar City Masters Group. He was an avid runner and finished many marathons including a 50 mile ultramarathon. He still holds the family record with a time of 3:04 at the St. George Marathon, which qualified him for Boston in 1981. His love for Disney’s Donald Duck was an unparalleled obsession and he mastered singing Happy Birthday in Donald Duck voice to the delight of his family and friends, and sometimes fright of a few children.
His faith was an integral part of his life; a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a full time mission in California and Arizona, and he held many church callings over the years including temple work later in his life.
Above all else, James was a devoted husband for 60 years to his beloved wife, Joyce. Together they built a family filled with love and laughter. He is survived by Joyce; their children, David Dunkley (Lori, deceased) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Peter Dunkley (Kim) of Las Vegas, NV; Ruthanne Taylor (James) of San Diego ,CA; Joseph Dunkley (Barbara) of Coto de Caza, CA; Sarabeth Dunkley of Temecula,CA; Amilynne Dunkley of Dana Point, CA; and Kevin Dunkley of Rancho Cucamonga ,CA; eighteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two more on the way. He is survived by his sister Helen Christensen. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister and brothers; Betty John, Melvin Dunkley and Paul Dunkley.
James Leonard Dunkley will be remembered for his kindness, devotion to family and faith, and his unwavering curiosity about the world around him. His legacy lives on through those who loved him and the many lives he touched along the way.
Memorial services will be held February 17, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1250 Borden Road, San Marcos, California, 92069.
Viewing at 10:00 AM and Funeral service at 11:00 AM.
Interment will be private.
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