James Hunter

James “Jim” R. Hunter, 80, Altus, passed away Friday, January 11, 2019 at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. William Carr officiating. Burial will follow services at the Boggy Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
James “Jim” Robert Hunter was born May 23, 1938 in Henderson, Kentucky to Mack Lee and Corinne (Minton) Hunter. He graduated from Henderson High School with the Class of 1955 and entered the United States Air Force. James married Joann Marchbanks September 22, 1959 in Macon, Georgia. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and retired as a Flight Crew Chief Technical Sergeant in 1978. Jim then served in the Altus Air Force Base Civil Service, worked as a Candyman for Brach’s candies, and managed the local Altus VFW chapter until his retirement in 1991.
After his full retirement Jim pursued a lifelong interest of his “junking or treasure hunting”. Jim loved to "junk" - find junk - buy junk - and sell junk. He loved to barter with people - both buying and selling. Jim’s first passion was always flying, however he had many hobbies and interests. He collected guns, enjoyed playing "Santa", was a lifeguard and competed in swimming and diving competitions, and enjoyed spending time and playing practical jokes with family and friends.
Following the loss of Joann in December of 1999, he married Verna Taylor October 23, 2007. Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the VFW, the DAV and the NRA. James was preceded in death by his parents, Mack Lee and Corinne Hunter; sister, Mary Elizabeth; wife, Joann; an infant daughter, Dawn Marie Hunter, and a grandson, Ed Drury. He is survived by his wife, Verna; three daughters, Elaine Hunter, Sheila LaFerney, Lisa Drury and husband, Tim; one son, Robert Craig Hunter and wife, Donna; one brother, Mack Hunter and wife, Emily; one sister, Anna Kirby; Grandchildren: Lindsey “Bear” Laferney and wife, Jessie, Shelby LaFerney and wife Jocelyn, Whitney Byrne and Husband Mike, Andrew Hunter and wife Christina, Riley Richtermeier and Husband Ryan, Bailey Roberts, and Husband Parker, Devon Kuckenbecker, and Great-Grandchildren: Howdy Roberts, Anabelle LaFerney, and Collins Richtermeier. Verna's children include her son, Steven Babb and wife, Monica; her daughter, Deborah Huber; four grandchildren, Jill Coleman and husband, Matt; Bryan Urie and wife, Tina; Ashley Swain; and Eric Babb and wife, Haley; eight great grandchildren and many, many friends.
The Hunter family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to: Boggy Cemetery Association @ PO Box 390, Olustee, OK 73560 or the First Presbyterian Memorial Fund @ 208 E. Cypress, Altus, OK 73521. Online tributes may be made at kincannonfuneralhome.com