It is with great sadness that we pass on this news from Equestrian Australia. Jim Dunn was a special man who was perfectly described by Craig Barrett at the recent Adelaide Horse Trials as simply 'Jim Dunn Australia'.
Jim was a real gentleman with a down to earth passion for both his sport and for winning medals. He will be missed by many ...
Equestrian Australia is mourning the loss of National Eventing Selector Jim Dunn OAM who passed away early Friday morning.
Jim served as chair of national eventing selectors for more than 20 years and was also a popular and respected coach, official and administrator, but it will be the role he played as part of Australia’s most successful three day event teams for which he will be most remembered.
As Chef d’Equipe Jim travelled the world in support of Australia’s eventing riders at Olympic and World Equestrian Games. He was an integral member of some of Australia’s most successful Olympic teams including those which won gold in Atlanta and Sydney.
In his role as Chef d’Equipe Jim formed a close bond with national Coach Wayne Roycroft and team veterinarian Denis Goulding.
“The three of us (Jim, Wayne and I) went everywhere together.”
“Everywhere we travelled people would hover towards Jim. He was such an iconic figure who was loved by everybody.
“Equestrian was his life. It meant everything to him. If we were away at an event he’d always be trying to get the earlier flight home so he could make jump club,” Dr Goulding said.
Wayne Roycroft first met Jim when he was the course builder at the Gawler Three Day Event and the two became close friends when Jim took on the Chef d’Equipe role.
“I’ll always remember him leading the team into the presentation at the Sydney Olympics. Of our all campaigns this was probably the hardest because expectations were so high, but under Jim’s guidance we were able to win the gold.
“Jim was a really honest, good Australian person and a good friend,” Mr Roycroft said.
Jim was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2004 for services to equestrian sport in Australia and at an Olympic level. In the same year he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
The South Australian native juggled many positions in the sport over the years and while serving as a national selector, he also applied his talents to administrative roles, including Chairman of the National Eventing Committee (1981-2009) and President of the South Australian Branch (1988-1994). He was a long standing member of the SA state branch committee, sitting on its board from 1976 to 1997. In recent times Jim took on various officiating roles and was a member of the ground jury at numerous international Three Day Events in Australia as a qualified FEI International Judge for three day events and show jumping.
Chair of National Eventing Selectors Georgia Clifford paid tribute to Jim and his years of service to eventing.
"Jim's contribution to the sport of eventing is unparalleled. His record is an impressive one having played a hand in every Olympic medal Australia has won since the Barcelona Games.
"Jim's involvement in the sport has spanned generations and he will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him," Ms Clifford said.
Equestrian Australia Chairman, Dr Warwick Vale expressed his sympathy to Jim's family and friends.
"Jim's long and widespread association with equestrian sport gave people from all walks of the sport a chance to know and work alongside him and there will be countless people today that will be saddened by his passing.
"Equestrian sport in Australia owes Jim a great deal and his extraordinary contribution, particularly in his roles assisting many of Australia's three day event team rank among this country's greatest sporting moments. He will be missed and always remembered fondly," Dr Vale said.
For those who wish to attend, Jim’s funeral will be held on Monday 9th December at 1:30pm at the Heysen Chapel, Centennial Park, 760 Goodwood Rd, Pasadena SA.
