James Columbus Hunter

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14: 1-4 On May 7, 1949 Bert F. and Mary L. Hunter welcomed the birth of their second child and first son, whom they named James Columbus Hunter. Right away Bert and Mary knew that he would one day become a great husband, father and a trusted friend. Having been raised in a home that was full of joy, smiles and laughter; James was quiet, playful and easy going. Those traits earned him the title of “favorite son” by his siblings. As a little boy, James was a bashful eater, always filling his jaws with food like a squirrel. His dad told him he looked like he had a plug of tobacco in his jaw and with that expression he was rightfully nick-named “Plug.” At an early age Plug made a personal commitment to profess Christ and joined Center Point A.M.E. Church in Sparkman. He was the Valedictorian of the 1967 graduating class of Sparkman Training School. Plug grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. He attended Henderson State University where he was a Biology major. During this time Plug discovered a love for music. This new found love led him and his brother Cleophus to form a local band known as “Lite Flite.” Plug was not only a gifted guitar player, but he could sing and write songs. He spent countless hours and days plucking away at his guitar striving for perfection. Most recently, James was a member of the “Hall Band.” These musical groups brought great joy and entertainment to many in the surrounding area. James united with Cathy Miller in holy matrimony on August 25, 1979. Together they shared a beautiful devotion for one another that radiated like a brilliant and beautiful light for others to emulate. As a husband and father, James began to feel a strong sense of spiritual assignment to inspire and enrich the lives of not only his family, but everyone he met. Subsequently, at Center Point he served as Sunday school teacher, church musician, financial chairperson, Stewart and custodian. James was a dedicated and committed servant who worked for the good of God. His service and commitment to the church has left a void that cannot be replaced. James was employed as a Titled I Paraprofessional at the Louisa E. Perritt Primary School of the Arkadelphia Public School District. James loved kids and the kids loved James. His presence and welcoming smile stole the hearts of many parents and children. He enthusiastically greeted them each day during car-rider duty from 2007 -2012. Prior to coming to APSD James was employed by the Arkadelphia Human Development Center. He retired after working there for 23 .5 years, as a Staffer over the cottages and then as a staff supervisor. James had a special place in his heart for children with special challenges, and continued to work for kids by repairing bikes for Prime Time students at the Community Family Enrichment Center. Plug was a rare “rich gift” who never met a stranger and inspired everyone who crossed his path. After 63 seasons of life he received his blessing of immortality on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. Although Plug lived what some may call a short life, those who were touched by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeded the quantity of time many of us spent with him. He leaves to cherish and honor his life’s journey: his wife and best friend of 33 years, Cathy Miller Hunter; his parents, Bert and Mary Hunter; his children: James E. Hunter, Las Vegas, NV, Lamar D. Hunter (Maria) El Paso, Texas, Brandy Payne (Eric), Burke, Virginia and Summer Hunter, Los Angeles, CA; four sisters, Bertha Wheeler (Henry) St. Louis, MO, Carolyn F. Hunter, Sparkman, AR, Glenda R. Williams (Junius) Arkadelphia, AR, Gwendolyn Tank (Donnie) Sparkman; three brothers, Ezzard C. Hunter (Carolyn Sue) Arkadelphia, AR, Cleophus Hunter (Michelle), Helena, AR and Gerriand Hunter (Felisha) Little Rock, AR; In-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Elvin Miller of Little Rock, AR; two special aunts, Mrs. Lottie Wyatt, Kansas City, MO and Juanita Hughes, Sparkman, AR; two God-Children, Tanesha Brumfield and Donniesha Tank; ten grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. The Family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.at St. Paul AME Church. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Paul AME Church in Arkadelphia where Rev. T. W. Scott is the pastor. Rev. Rex Smith the pastor of Center Point AME Church will officiate and his brother Minister Cleophus Hunter, Sr., of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Helena will be the celebrant. Click the TributeLink tab to view the video tribute.