James F. Hunter Jr. of Camden died peacefully at home Saturday, March 6, 2010. He was born in Forrest City on Oct. 9, 1921, the son of James F. and Susie P. Hunter. He attended Forrest City High School where he played in the marching band and then joined the United States Marines in San Diego, Calif. He was assigned to the new 4th Marine Division in 1942 where he attained the rank of sergeant. James served in the Pacific Arena and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Midway Island, Maui and the Marshall Islands. He was present at the raising of the American flag Feb. 23, 1945, on Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iowa Jima. He later received a commendation for meritorious achievement as a communication man in a 7mm howitzer battalion during the invasion and capture of Saipan and Tinian.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Lydia Sue Jolly and his son, Paul Andrew “Andy” Hunter.

Survivors include his wife Annie Irene Hunter of Camden; three brothers, J.W. Hunter of Brooksville, Fla., Charles Hunter of Ochlocknee, Ga., and John R. Hunter of Potomac, Va.; a sister, Mary Ann Cunningham of Wichita Falls, Texas: two children, James F. Hunter III and Lori Marks of Camden; two beloved grandchildren, Eric Andrew Marks of Flowood, Miss., and Amber Leigh Marks of Fayetteville; and a son-in-law, Tim Marks of Camden.

James worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 37 years and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He loved to garden and share his crops with family and friends.

He attended Victory Church in Camden.

Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday at the funeral home with Bro. Jerry Ables officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Victory Church, 1283 Hwy 278; First Baptist Church, 348 Washington St., Camden, AR 71701; Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR; St. Jude’s Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101; or Hospice of Camden, AR.

To sign the online guest register visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.