Jim Hunter, age 91 of Lexington, passed away Tuesday July 5, 2016, at the Norman Regional Hospital.
Jim was born August 7, 1924 in Dyer, Arkansas. He was the youngest of 5 children born to Telford and Regina (Cecile) Hunter. He began school there before moving near Holdenville, OK, graduating as Valedictorian from Moss High School in 1942. Jim joined the United States Army and served his country proudly during World War II. On October 7, 1944, the plane Jim was on during a mission was shot down over Cologne, Germany. He would spend the next 6 ½ months as a prisoner of war, before being liberated on April 29, 1945. Jim was awarded the Purple Heart and the Air Medal for his sacrifices for his country. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1945. Jim was a respected veteran and a true hero, though he reluctantly ever spoke about it because of the memories it brought back. On January 12, 1946, Jim married his true love and life partner, Geraldine “Geri” Luckett in Horntown, OK. Together they raised two children, daughter, Kathy and son, J. Michael. Jim attended college at Eastern Oklahoma A&M where he played varsity basketball. He received his degree in Ag. Ed at Oklahoma A&M and this catapulted a successful career as a Vocational Agriculture teacher. Balancing life as a husband and father, all along while providing for his family was not always easy, however Jim pushed on to get his Masters in Agricultural Education at Oklahoma A&M and a Master’s in Education Administration from the University of Oklahoma, just short of his dissertation for receiving his PhD. Jim began his teaching career in August of 1948 with Lexington Public Schools. He spent the next 32 years teaching, 26 as the Voc. Ag instructor. During this time, he received the Cleveland County teacher of the year award. He served as President of the Vo-Ag Teachers Association of Oklahoma, and his club won the Gold Medal Chapter Award, among many other honors. After retiring from teaching, Jim worked as a real estate broker and enjoyed helping people realize their dream of home ownership. Jim loved the Lord, and was a man of strong faith and outstanding character. He was a long time member of Lexington Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday school teacher. Jim remained active in spiritual training of youth and adults throughout his life. Jim influenced many young men’s lives during his teaching career. Jim was a wonderful husband to Geri and a remarkable father and grandfather. He cherished his ranch, livestock and spending time outdoors in God’s creation.
He was preceded in death by: His parents, Telford and Regina Hunter; 3 sisters, Lucille Dotts, Hazel Spear and Cecile St. Cyr and His brother, Ted Hunter.
Jim leaves behind: His wife, Geri of the home; Daughter, Kathy Coker and husband Terry Round Rock, TX; Son, J. Michael Hunter and wife Susie of Austin, TX; His grandchildren and great grandchildren; Stephanie Coker of Round Rock, TX, Tiffanie Boxrucker and husband Matt of West Chester, OH and Their children Cody and Cade, Kassie Coker of Round Rock, TX and her son, Taylen, Shallon Hunter of Washington DC and Hayden Hunter of Los Angeles, CA And a host of other family and friends.
Family will greet relatives and friends from 6pm-7:30pm., Thursday, July 7th, at Wilson-Little Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family has requested you make donations to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund.
Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 8, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Lexington. Burial will follow at the Lexington Cemetery. Arrangements by Wilson-Little Funeral Home of Purcell. Send online condolences at wilsonlittle.com