Robert James Gunn

Robert James “Bob” Gunn (82), passed away on June 28, 2026, in Salem, Oregon, the community he had served and called home for over 50 years. Born in Minot, North Dakota, on October 17, 1943, to Harold William “Bill” Gunn and Marie Wright Gunn, Bob lived a life defined by principle, service, and an unwavering devotion to family.

In his youth, Bob was a varsity wrestler and state champion pole vaulter for the Minot Magicians in North Dakota, and also competed at Brigham Young University. During this time, he met and married his sweetheart, Jana (née Roestenburg). He earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's in Public Administration from BYU before obtaining his Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law.

He practiced law into his eighties. His career spanned 52 years and included service as an assistant city attorney, city attorney, and a municipal court judge. He was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Tax Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Courts of Oregon, Utah, and Arizona.

Even after building a distinguished legal career, Bob stayed close to his roots. He never strayed far from the land, spending time on his tractor, working the earth the way he had as a young man in North Dakota. Some of his children's most cherished memories include riding on that tractor with him, whether learning to drive or using it to pick blackberries on their property.

An Eagle Scout who loved serving, he embodied the motto “Be Prepared” – leading scouts on hundreds of outings, including 50 mile hikes, wilderness survival, and high adventure expeditions. As the son of a pilot, aviation was in his blood and he spent many hours in his Piper, often saying it was always easier to navigate from the air. Whatever Bob did, he did with purpose and with others in mind.

He spent his free time with his family and quietly serving others through his lifelong dedication to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which included missionary service in southern Brazil at the age of 20.

His children will remember him as a firm but loving father who led by example. His colleagues will remember him as a pillar of integrity whose presence in the legal community will be deeply missed.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jana; his brother, Tom, his nine children Marc, Blake, Briant, Matthew, Mindy, Kami, Michael, Tiffany, Ryan, and their spouses; 36 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marie.

*Service details to be announced.*