The Cushing Alumni Association is proud to announce the Hall of Fame inductee for 2010 is Jim E. Hunter.
Jim E. Hunter is a 1952 CHS graduate and has lived in Cushing his entire life. Born at home – “on the hill” (Oak Street & Kings Highway), he attended Lincoln School throughout his elementary years and went on to complete Cushing Junior High and Cushing High School. He enjoyed all sports in high school but was the captain of the Tigers baseball team. His junior year he attended American Legion Boys State – the first of numerous American Legion sponsored events to follow in his life. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving a total of 8 years in Central States Marine Corps and Marine Corp Reserves, with time spent in Korea. Since then, he has continued to serve – his country, his fellow man and community. From the very young to the elderly, Jim Hunter has – and continues to – touch lives.
The number of accolades and accomplishments attributed to Jim Hunter is a little staggering. He has served in many capacities in Jaycees, Lions and Rotary Clubs. He has served on numerous boards – Youth Center board, Cushing Senior Citizens Center board and the Cushing Daycare board. He worked diligently to get the first youth center, located at the old Lincoln School, and was at the first organizational meeting for not only the Youth Center, but also the Cushing Senior Citizen Center. He’s been commissioner and he’s been mayor. He’s coached Little League and chaired committees – in fact, if you can name it, Jim’s probably done it.
And we haven’t even started talking about his passion – American Legion Post 108.
Jim Hunter has been a member of American Legion Post 108 for 54 consecutive years. Half of those years (27) he has been Post Commander. He was extremely instrumental in raising funds through grants and donations for the renovation of its building. Once the renovation was complete, Jim made sure it was placed on the State and National Historical Registers. It was his dedication and leadership that led members to recently name the building the “Jim E. Hunter Building”. In 2006, Jim received the honor of being named Oklahoma Legionnaire of the Year and in 2009, fellow post members voted unanimously for Commander Jim E. Hunter to be “Honorary Commander” for the life of Post 108.
“We believe that Jim has set a lifetime example of leadership, partnership, guidance, and dedication to the greater good of our community, our state and our country,” his nominator wrote. “For Jim’s leadership, dedication, life achievements, and caring about his fellow man, we are very proud to nominate Mr. Jim E. Hunter for the Cushing Alumni Hall of Fame for the year 2010!”
Congratulations, Jim!
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