James William Hunter of Berryville, Ark., left this earthly life on June 3, 2016 at age 68. He quietly passed at his beloved log cabin, with his wife at his side. Born July 1, 1947, in West Helena, Ark., Jim was the son of William Marlon and Sadie Huber Hunter, who preceded him in death.
Jim was a quiet man who loved deeply and simply, and acted in accordance with that love. He often cited a Richard Bach quote as his philosophy for living: “Live never to be ashamed if anything you do or say is published around the world – even if what is published is not true.” Those who knew and loved him understood that he always acted on his conscience, and in so doing, set an example for living for the rest of us.
Jim joined the Marines and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and said that he went because he felt that the strong should do their best to protect the weak. To make such a choice at the height of the Vietnam conflict took enormous courage, yet he acted on his convictions, and his family and friends believe he is simply a hero. Among his military awards were the National Defense Ribbon, Vietnamese Service Ribbon, Southeast Asia Campaign Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous unit citations.
He attended college at Mississippi State University and State College of Arkansas. He made a career as a computer programmer, business analyst, and information technology manager, working for McDonnell-Douglas, FMC Corporation, and SCT Corporation. He was particularly proud of his work in the development of the Bradley armored personnel carrier.
He was married to Patricia Jean Compton of Dermott, Ark., for 23 years, and had three sons from that union: Scott Allen, Alex William, and Brian Patrick. To his sons, he was a wonderful provider, a pillar of strength, an ethical compass who understood that each of his sons was an individual, and tried to give each what he needed to become the man he hoped each would be.
In mid-life, Divine Providence reunited Jim with his college sweetheart, Dale, and they were joined in marriage on October 21, 2000. They shared a love of nature, and dreamed of retiring to a cabin in the woods and living life in the slow lane.
They accomplished that dream, taking early retirement and finding peace in their cabin near Eureka Springs. They often sat on the deck with their morning coffee, petting their dogs, reading, working puzzles, identifying birds at their feeders, or watching sunrises and sunsets and looking for rainbows after a storm. They lived a rich, joyful life.
Jim was perhaps proudest of his children and grandchildren, and loved being a grandfather, anticipating each birth as the wonderful gift it was. As a grandpa, he took great pleasure in gathering his family around the table for a rousing game of Yahtzee, and there was much hollering and laughter. Holidays were always special times of making treasured memories in moments shared. He loved his family profoundly, and leaves that abiding love with each of them.
There remains a legacy with those who knew Jim of love, integrity, character, accountability, warm memories, and the knowledge that, though he is gone; he will yet be ever with us.
Jim is survived by his wife, Dale, son Scott and his wife, Robin, of Warrenville, S.Car., son Alex and his wife, Mandy, of Charleston, S.Car., son Brian and his wife, Jessica, of Vancouver, Wash., and grandchildren Megan Spires and her fiancée Nick Miller, Ally Hunter, Morgan Hunter, Analeigh Hunter and the newest addition, Sebastian Hunter.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Community of Christ Church in Berryville. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Community of Christ Church Peace Garden, 503 Orchard Dr. Berryville, AR 72616. Jim was, above all, a man of peace. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2016