CLAYTON, NY — James “Jim” Hungerford, 94, of Hobe Sound, FL, and Clayton, NY, passed away Friday morning, Aug. 17, 2018.
Jim was born Jan. 26,1924, in Clayton, NY, the son of Stanley and Genora Hungerford.
Jim graduated from the Clayton Central School in 1941. He attended Clarkson University leaving to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war he graduated from Cornell University. Jim received his commission as an Ensign from the Northwestern University Midshipman School in Chicago, IL in 1944 and was married the same day to his high school sweetheart, Helen Leavery.
He attended the Tactical Radar School in Hollywood, FL, and was assigned to duty aboard USS Woodford AKA 86. His ship proceeded to the Pacific. Leaving Pearl Harbor his ship was at the Marianas, the Philippines and took part in the Battle of Okinawa.
After World War II Jim joined the Naval Reserves and in 1950 he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. He served aboard the USS Calvert APA 32 and the USS Rankin AKA 103 both in Korean waters. He returned to the reserves after the war and later became the Commanding Officer of the Watertown Naval Reserve Division 3-102. He retired from the Navy after 26 years of service with the rank of commander.
He received the following military awards: American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with two battle stars, WWII Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, with Asia clasp, China Service Metal, National Defense Service Metal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Navy Reserve Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He was awarded the Combat Action ribbon for his service not only in WWII but also in the Korean War. In addition he was awarded the following foreign awards: Philippine Liberation Medal and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal.
In 1954 Jim became the third generation to own and operate Hungerford Hardware in Clayton, NY. This business was founded by his grandfather in 1888. Jim retired in 1975 when his son, Peter, purchased the business.
Jim is a past president and former member of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, past president, charter member and former member of the Clayton Lions Club, former member of Clayton Lodge No. 296, F and AM, member of Post 821 American Legion in Clayton, life member of the Association of the U.S. Navy, member of the Navy Retired Reserve, member of the Eaglewood (Hobe Sound, FL) Homeowners Association and the Eaglewood Men’s Golf Association.
His interests in life were family, hunting, fishing, boating and golf. Later in life he and his wife, Helen, enjoyed travel with many trips worldwide.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife, Helen, in 2013 and a brother Stanley. He is survived by his sons and their wives: James (Sylvia), David (Lynda), Peter (Karen) and a sister Lois Jean MacFarlane, six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and others.
His funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Saturday September 1,2018 at 11:00 am with The Rev. Lisa J. Busby, rector, presiding. Burial with military honors will be in Clayton Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton
In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family requests donations in his name to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 7 East, Syracuse, NY 13057.
Online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
