James A. Hunter, 92, passed away on December 31, 2020. Jim was born in Chester, PA to William & Martha (Craig) Hunter, Scottish immigrants. Jim grew up in Claymont, DE, served in the Merchant Marine, then enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the Korean War.
Jim met the love of his life, Mary Moore of Cherry Hill, MD on a local tennis court. After their marriage, he graduated from the University of Delaware, moved to Schenectady, NY and began his career with General Electric before joining Hercules, retiring in 1989.
At age 45, Jim began bagpipe lessons with master piper Robert Waters. For the next 44 years he was a very active piper in the Wilmington and Delaware valley area. Jim was a Life Member of the Washington Memorial Pipe Band. On Friday evenings, for over 18 years, you would find Jim bagpiping at Fieldstone Golf Club.
In 1990 the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington was established at the Port of Wilmington. Jim was the first volunteer to sign-on, welcoming and assisting seafarers arriving from around the world. 30 years later at the age of 91, Jim retired as an active volunteer and remained a member of the Board of Directors. For Jim’s service, he was given the Governor’s award from the State of Delaware. Jim was a long time member of the Claymont Men’s Romeo Club.
Jim was pre-deceased by his parents and sister Janet. He is survived by his loving wife Mary, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years, daughters Kathryn Christensen (Gregg), and Deborah Wersinger (Jeff), granddaughter Jordan Wersinger, his sister Isabelle Francisco, and 12 nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Country House employees for the love and care they have provided over the years.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington, P.O. Box 405, Wilmington, DE 19899, to the Ronal MacDonald House, 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, or to a favorite charity.
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