Prep Football: Cards meet rivals in return to field

Comment by bigcee: Thursday, September 2

go get them fellas,and have a great season...read more...

Work for future uncovers past

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Painteddragonfly, I'm sure the church would be most happy to do a restoration, provided you and othe...read more...

Work for future uncovers past

Comment by cat-eyes: Wednesday, September 1

Painted Dragonfly ...I agree also. I'm surprised members of this church have not spoken out....read more...

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After two tours in Iraq, and nearly one month into his first tour in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. James Hunter was certainly no stranger to combat.

“He’s a combat veteran,” said his father, Winchester resident Tom Hunter.

On Friday, James was on foot patrol when a roadside bomb exploded, killing him and another member of his unit instantly.

The soldier was in Afghanistan as a photojournalist, carrying “a camera on his side, plus a weapon,” his father said.

“I want people to know he was out there trying to get the news,” Tom said.

The younger Hunter entered the military in 2003, right after his high school graduation. His father said that he was initially surprised by his son’s decision, but believed his son felt led to serve because of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

“He had already enrolled in Bowling Green University (in Ohio) and was supposed to get his key for his dorm room,” Tom said.

James attended basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and received photography training at Fort Meade, Maryland.

“It’s a pretty extensive school he attended,” his father said. “He had an interest in it (photography) and he enjoyed it.”

Although James was raised in northern Ohio, he always felt a connection to his birthplace. He will be buried in Lexington sometime next week, and services will be conducted at Winchester First United Methodist Church.

“He loved Kentucky basketball. ... He just thought the world of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson,” Tom said. “. ... He could be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but he just loved Kentucky.”

He also hoped to attend the University of Kentucky as part of the “Green to Gold” program, which allows soldiers to attend school and return to the Army as officers.

James had recently become engaged to Candice Clark, a fellow soldier now working at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

He is also survived by his mother, Patricia Phillips, of South Amherst, Ohio.

Tom said he had last talked to his son Tuesday or Wednesday, and he sounded in good spirits.

“He really thought we could make a difference,” his father said.

Although James had already been deployed twice, he was not apprehensive about going to the Middle East again, Tom said. He always remained positive and even turned down a position at division headquarters to continue serving with his unit.

“He was a really good boy. He cared more about others than he did himself. He loved the Army. He believed in what he was doing,” Tom said.

As an Army veteran, Tom said that his son’s military achievements are particularly meaningful for him.

“I spent a long time in the Army, and I never accomplished what he’s been able to. That’s good — you want your kids to be better,” Tom said.

In addition to James, he has two other children in the military. Daughter Charity Morgan is currently serving in the Navy and son Billy Hunter is the Marine Corps and has also been deployed to Afghanistan.

Tom said he was outside smoking a cigarette last week when his wife told him that some soldiers were there to speak with him.

“I knew it wasn’t good,” Tom said.

Still, he has praised the Army for their handling of the situation.

“They’re really taking care of us,” Tom said.

A memorial service will take place in Ohio later this week at Firelands High School, where James attended, before he is returned to Kentucky for services and burial.

“Jimmy had a good heart and was well-liked,” Tom said. “. … I just wish I could have been in his shoes. He’s a hero.”

Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchester-sun.com.

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