OSWEGO, NY – Julius Sherwood Dunham, 92, died peacefully on Friday December 12, 2014, at Oswego Hospital. His family was by his side.
Sherwood was born in Brocton, NY, the son of J. Sherwood and Montrose (Osgood) Dunham.
He was a graduate of Brocton High School, and received his baccalaureate degree from Fredonia State College, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and his doctorate from the University of Buffalo.
Sherwood also graduated as a naval aviator from Pensacola, the Annapolis of the Air, in 1943.
During World War II, he flew 82 combat missions in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
He was awarded two air medals with a gold star, and five battle stars.
He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1962.
Sherwood was an educator. He began his career in Niagara Falls, NY, where, for eight years, he was a teacher and principal.
In 1955, when he was appointed principal of the Oswego Teacher College’s Campus School, he moved to Oswego.
For the next 25 years at Oswego, he served in different administrative and academic positions, including acting president.
He retired in 1977.
In retirement at Oswego, he taught for seven years part-time as a professor in the Educational Administrative Department.
Community service was important to Sherwood. He devoted many volunteer hours to the Oswego Hospital, the Rotary Club, the Salvation Army and the United Fund.
In 1982, he moved to Seven Lakes, NC, where he continued to be involved in civic activities.
He was a co-founder of what is now a viable newspaper, trained literary tutors, was a surrogate parent, and taught several courses at the Sandhills Community College.
Sherwood earned accreditation, and served in the New York and North Carolina Education departments as an Impartial Hearing Officer for the Federal Individuals Disabilities Education Act.
In North Carolina, he was appointed as a state review officer, qualified to review initial education decisions of administrative law judges.
His childhood Shetland pony, honorary membership in the College’s Bit & Spur club, and partnership in owning a racehorse are testimony to Sherwood’s respect and love for horses.
After the death of his wife, Janet (Russell) Dunham, in 2000, Sherwood returned to Oswego, where he resided at Springside at Seneca Hill.
His final home was at Bishop’s Commons in Oswego.
He is survived by his daughter, Judith (Larry) Botting, of Martville, NY; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Botting and Kathryn Botting; two nephews; and one niece.
In his final act as an educator, he participated in the Anatomical Gift Program.
A celebration of his life will be held at Springside at Seneca Hill, at a time to be announced.
Dispersal of his ashes will be at the discretion of his family.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Oswego Rotary Club, PO Box 3133, Oswego, NY 13126.
Arrangements are in care of the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Oswego.
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Sherry was not only a great Rotarian but a true World War Two hero. He often reminded us while playing golf at the Oswego Country Club that golf was a game meant to be fun and not always to be taken seriously.