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Obituary: James W. "Jimmy" Hunter, 71,
Harrisville
Published: December 12, 2023
By: Provided by Frary Funeral Home
James William
"Jimmy" Hunter
 James William "Jimmy" Hunter,
71, of Harrisville New York, passed away on December 10, 2023, at the VA
Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He was born 40
minutes before his twin brother Thomas in West Carthage, NY on May 17,
1952. He was the son of George J and Rose E (Luther) Hunter. James
graduated from Harrisville Central School in 1970. He joined the Navy the
same year proudly following in his father's footsteps.
James served
proudly in the U.S. Navy for 8 years, 3 months and 11 days retiring as an
E-6. He received the National Defense Service Medal (SSU), Good Conduct
Medal (first Award), Antarctica Service Deep Freeze Medal (SSU), Sea
Service Deployment Ribbon (two), and Battle "E" Ribbon. Keeping
all the shipmates nourished and cared for was a job he valued highly. His
rank and leadership allowed him to delegate and oversee all work that
needed to be done, while only executing the most difficult and complex
tasks himself. He mentored junior petty officers and had a significant
impact in the overall performance of the unit.
This quality followed him throughout his life.
Lending a hand in
the community is what he did best. He immediately joined the Harrisville
Volunteer Fire Department upon being honorably discharged from the U.S.
Navy in 1978 where he earned the nickname "911". James's passion
for the Harrisville Fire Department was like no other. He considered them
his second family. For the next 45 years he wore many hats. He became an
EMT for many years while attending and organizing many trainings.
For many years, he was Captain of the Rescue Squad. His many positions included
the Hose Company, Air Packs, Fire Police and Hazmat/Decon
Team. In 2013, James became a social member due to declining health.
However, this never stopped his dedication of being a first responder. He
continued driving, working all the fundraisers and
events such as fish fry's, chicken Barbeques, fishing derbies, fields days,
benefits, passing out drinks and sodas in town on Halloween, road rallies,
etc., and lending a hand in every way possible. As soon as a call came in,
he would be right there to make sure the doors were open and ready and
still be there with coffee made upon their return. He will be sincerely
missed by the firemen and community alike.
Through the years,
James worked at many restaurants including LaParrs,
Hunters View and the Village Inn in Harrisville. He was an awesome cook and
he found this enjoyable to the point he worked and catered many benefits.
He was very active with Boy Scout Troop 44 as the Boy Scout Master through
the years in Harrisville. Working on the staff as the cook at Camp
Portaferry for many years brought him great joy. Jim grew up Methodist as
his parents were a pillar of the church and in later years, he became a member
of East Pitcairn Wesleyan Church while helping run a church youth group.
This was something he took pride in. He also did home health care. Any
possible way he could give back to the community he would be volunteering
his time. After our well-known Drugstore closed, James reopened it as a
general store naming it "OHTAY JIMS". From vintage to new he had
it. Jim also served on the Harrisville Free Library Board.
James in later
years moved into Harris Courts in Harrisville
where he became an avid member of the Senior Citizens Club. Again, he wore
many hats. He was always planning and organizing events
being sure to document everything. Everyone at Harris Courts watched out
for each other and formed friendships. As one tenant said, "It will be
very easy for God to find a special place for him in heaven so he can
continue being his SPECIAL SELF"
He is survived by
his twin brother, Thomas (again, born 40 minutes after Jim); his sisters,
Joan (Bill) Baker of Babcock Ranch, FL and
Margaret (Peggy) (John) Neuenschwander of Lowry City, Missouri, nephews
Charles (Larissa) Baker, Richard (Elissa) Baker, James Loren, Joseph
(Vickie) Loren, and one niece, Jennifer Loren Hart, 10 great nieces and
nephews and MANY cousins. James is
preceded in death by his mother, Rose, father George Sr, brother George Jr.,
a brother John in-infancy, a nephew Jeffrey George Loren, maternal
grandparents Thomas and Minnie (Bancroft) Luther and paternal grandparents
James and Alice (Banta) Hunter.
He will be
greatly and deeply missed by his family, the fire department and the many
who had the honor to know him. He was such a giving and kindhearted person
who knew how to pay it forward with his actions and generosity. His memory
will live forever and the love he gave will last a lifetime. Fly high Jimmy
Hunter. We love you.
***Jim was a
private person personally and gathering information unexpectedly was a
pleasure and challenge. Many of his accolades and attributions have been
shared but knowing there are more I am requesting if you join us at the
celebration of life, PLEASE bring your stories and pictures and share with
everyone.
A celebration of
life will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the Firehall
in Harrisville with a service before the meal. The Fire Department will be
escorting Jim to the firehall where they will also head up the meal for
all. There will be no calling hours. In the spring there will be a
Graveside ceremony with military honors in the Harrisville Cemetery on
Route 3 where he will be laid to rest with his parents and siblings. No
date currently.
Arrangements are
under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home of Harrisville. Online
condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com. Donations may
be made to: Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department, 14226 Church Street,
Harrisville, NY, 13648.
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