Jim at Dunn’s Run
Jim working hard at the jewelry show
“Where’s the Gold!?”
In true Jim Dunn fashion, it didn’t just end there. At the time, Mr. T. and his infamous gold chains was all over every newspaper. Jim seized this opportunity and recreated the ad himself, modeling a seemingly infinite number of gold chains, bracelets, and rings which became “Mr. T. ain’t got nothin’ on me!” These fun-spirited campaigns caught on immediately, adored by everyone who saw them along with many, many others. There was nothing Jim loved more than coming up with something fresh and new. Throughout his career, Jim accomplished many milestones and was honored with several prestigious accolades that meant the world to him. His entrepreneurial spirit was something engrained in him from just a young age, and so it showed. In 2002, Jim received Sun Sentinel’s Excalibur Award as Small Business Leader of the Year, a true homage to his successes. He was later inducted into the Nova Southeastern University Entrepreneur Hall of Fame as well, honoring lifetime achievements of outstanding business leaders in our South Florida Community. Jim’s legacy lives on in every one of the past and present members of the J.R. Dunn Team who had the pleasure of learning from him. “As I began my new life in jewelry, I met an amazing man,” said Michael Bohner, former employee of J.R. Dunn. “He was the first person to come to work every day. He made me want to be there early – just to hang out with him. I’m a better person because of Jim Dunn.” PASS ION FOR OUR COMMUNI T Y Giving back to the community was something incredibly near and dear to both Jim and Ann Marie’s hearts. In 1996, South Florida businessman and philanthropist, Jim Moran, inspired Jim to visit a local Boys & Girls Club in Hollywood, Florida.
After the visit, Jim founded Dunn’s Run a 5k walk/ run and 5-mile run benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Since its founding 25 years ago, Dunn’s Run has raised over $3.5 million dollars for The Boys & Girls Clubs—a milestone Jim was so proud of. But it didn’t stop there. Jim and Ann Marie together also support many other non-profit organizations in the local South Florida community and beyond, including the Humane Society of Broward County, first responders, Naked Warrior Project honoring fall Navy SEALS, Wounded Warrior Project, and many more. “I loved how his eyes sparkled when we would visit with puppies for our photos,” said Cheri Wachter of the Humane Society of Broward County. In 2016, Jim and Ann Marie were inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Lifetime Giving Society celebrating them as one of their top donors demonstrating a deep commitment to the kids of the club. The following year, they were inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County Hall of Fame at their 50th Annual Dinner Auction. “Jim was truly one-of-a-kind! He made a lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County by his dedication to our community and his passion for the annual Dunn’s Run. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the annual Dunn’s Run and the difference he made in the lives of so many youth,” said Matt Organ, Co-CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. Together they were also honored in 2018 as Keepers of the City of Lighthouse Point, the small town where J.R. Dunn Jewelers and so many of its dear clients reside. The community of Lighthouse Point has always remained close-knit in nature, revolving around small local businesses which are often run by the residents themselves.
“He was an incredibly kind, warm, and sweet man who greeted his clients with the biggest smile and best hug,” said longtime client and Lighthouse Point resident, Erin Clampett. “I was always excited to go in and shop because it meant I was able to spend time with Jim. He made everyone feel like family and for that, I’m forever grateful to have had the opportunity to know him.” CONT INUING THE LEGACY Today, Ann Marie and Sean are dedicated to continuing on Jim’s legacy, including the completion of a complete rebuild and state- of-the-art design of our J.R. Dunn campus in 2022. Before his passing, Jim was completely immersed in the beginnings of this new chapter for J.R. Dunn. He was always thinking about the future. “Jim would have loved to have put his construction boots on one more time,” said Ann Marie. “He thrived on big projects and being in the thick of things.” We’re incredibly excited to share it with you all soon in the coming months. COMMI TTED TO OUR COMMUNI T Y Ann Marie and Sean remain committed to continuing our family tradition the trio built together in giving back to our community. “We know Jim will be smiling down on us as we launch some exciting new initiatives in our South Florida community in the coming months, including the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build where we have the opportunity to provide a family with a place to call home,” said Ann Marie. “I’m so glad I am able to be a part of kicking off this amazing project alongside such wonderful women that have made a lasting impact in our community,” she continued. Together, Ann Marie and Sean look forward to passionately carrying on the Dunn family legacy with their shared vision for the future.
2 4 J . R . DUNN MAGA Z I NE
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