James Hunter

Funeral services for James Bryan Hunter, age 83, of Cookeville, will be Tuesday, May 10 at 3:00 p.m. at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home with Bro. Bruce Mullinax officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Essex Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 5 - 8 p.m. and again Tuesday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Mr. Hunter passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at his home while surrounded by his loved ones. He was born June 22, 1932 in Nashville, TN to the late Bryan Davis and Eula Hunter. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Hunter and Hugh Davis; two sisters, Winnie Robbins and Isabelle Hannah. James was a graduate of Tennessee Technological University, obtaining both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He began his military career in the National Guard at 17 years old. He then served active duty in the U.S. Army and participated in Operation Big Lift in 1963. He returned to serve in the National Guard and retired with the rank of Captain. He was a specialist in Military Intelligence. He worked as an Assistant Resource Manager at Dale Hollow Lake for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for 32 years. As an avid historian, he was a founding contributor to the Overton County Historical Society and spent his lifetime studying genealogy and the history of the Upper Cumberland. James was friend to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path and had many friends from all walks of life. He believed in the good of mankind and emulated that goodness in his everyday life. He instilled that kindness into the moral compasses of his five children. As a faithful and humble servant of Christ, he was a longtime member and Elder of Holly Springs Church of Christ in Hilham. Married December 12, 1959 at Collegeside Church of Christ, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nell Burgess Hunter. Together James and Nell raised five children, all of whom survive: Katrina Hunter of Goodlettsville, Doyle (Sonja) Hunter of Lebanon, Sonja (Chuck) Lawrence of Allons, Bryan (Roselle) Hunter of Nashville, and Hope Hunter (Kenny Simmons) of Hermitage. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Zofia, Klaudia, Freya, and Amelia Hunter, Sasha and Brittany White; and four great-grandchildren. Bryan Hunter, Doyle Hunter, Greg Davis, Bob Hunter, Chip Moore, and Elwin Hannah will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Holly Springs Cemetery Fund or the Essex Cemetery Fund, c/o Cecil Essex, 755 Green Gate Lane, Cookeville, TN 38506. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com