James Edward “Jim Ed” Dunlap, age 79, of Milan, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 1st, 2026 at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital.
Jim Ed was born May 5th, 1946, to Charlie Thomas and Mary Mildred (Murdock) Dunlap. On May 16th, 1965, he married Linda Arlene Bundridge. She survives him, along with their three children Carson Wade, Lori Carol, Jason Max and their families as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Thomas Dunlap, a sister, Mildred Louise Klein, and a number of brothers and sisters-in-law.
Jim Ed spent his whole life within a few miles of where he was born, which happens to be the same house he called home for the past 50 years. He never felt the need to stray far. Everything that mattered to him was already close by.
He was a genuine cowboy at heart. He loved raising cattle, horses, and mules, and the daily rhythm and freedom of farm life. He always enjoyed a good game of cards and the company that came with it. He worked hard, spoke plainly, and always believed a person’s word meant something. He was fiercely independent, but always ready to lend a hand when someone needed it. When neighbors needed help, he was the first to show up.
Though he was well-traveled, his favorite place was always the farm – especially at the first green-up of spring. He found satisfaction in simple things done right and in days spent outdoors doing honest work. He lived a steady life, close to the land and close to his family. And that was enough.
A funeral service for Jim Ed will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan. Burial will follow at Bairdstown Cemetery, North of Milan. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 PM, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bairdstown Cemetery or the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital Foundation.