Tommy James Dunham

Thomas “Tommy” James Dunham, 88, of Bellevue Idaho, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026. He had been living at the Cove of Cascadia in Bellevue for several years in assisted living and then his last 2 months in a nursing care building where he received loving care by the Cove staff.

Tommy was born on August 7, 1938 in Watervliet, Michigan. He was the firstborn to James and Maxine Dunham. Tommy grew up alongside his only sibling, sister Judy Dunham Schultz, in the little town of Watervliet. As children, their parents taught them to snow ski. Tom also enjoyed boxing during his high school years. After hearing stories from his father about skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho, Tommy was determined to live near the mountains someday. Around 1980, Tommy hopped on a bus and headed out west landing in Ketchum Idaho where he worked at the beautiful Sun Valley Resort for 30 + years working at various restaurants but primarily the main lodge restaurant, Gretchen’s. He worked only at Sun Valley until his retirement in March 2013. Sun Valley was quite perfect for Tommy because he was able to ski the slopes in the winter and hike and bike the trails from Ketchum to Hailey and around Elkhorn in the summer. He loved the people of Ketchum and Sun Valley making many friends over the years at the resort and walking around downtown Ketchum and hanging out at Starbucks & Atkinsons. Tommy was known as an avid reader and found enjoyment visiting the beautiful Ketchum library where he would visit almost daily after his retirement. He was a whiz at ski history, boxing history, the Olympics and geography. He had a remarkable memory and the gift of storytelling. Tommy was always sharing stories with his nieces and enjoyed most of all introducing his family to his friends and acquaintances on their annual visit to Idaho.

Tommy’s favorite sayings were “If you want to go to Heaven, go to Sun Valley” as well as “Never argue with a woman.” His favorite possessions were his skis, bike, helmet with headlamp, hiking poles and backpack. He was always layered up and ready for anything outdoors!

Although Tommy never married or had children, he had some very special ladies in his life. His favorite companions were Sarah Curtis, Susan Snyder, Lisa Henak York, and lastly Mary Santosuosso. They were a gift from God to Tommy & were his Idaho family… always willing to lend a helping hand, take him to appointments, and go on many birthday lunches!

Tommy is survived by his sister, Judy Schultz of Michigan, his nieces & their husbands, Julie & Pete Warner of Georgia and Lori & Chad Deja of Michigan and his 5 great nieces and nephews, Jason, Sarah, Wesley, Audrey and Nolan. Also, cousins Doug Rudig of Colorado and Donna Alexander of Maine.

A gathering to celebrate Tommy’s life will take place Sunday October 4 at 2:00pm in the Ketchum Town Square. We welcome any stories or memories you have of Tommy. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.