James E Bunkley

In the early morning of April 27, 2016, God in His infinite wisdom saw fit to bring home, James E. Bunkley, 79, to eternal peace and reward. He was born March 10, 1937 to the late Eldrich Bunkley and Kathryn L. Offett in Morganfield, Kentucky. Jim, as he was affectionately known to some, graduated from the only high school designated for African Americans at the time in Indianapolis, Indiana – Crispus Attucks High School. He also earned college credits from the Community College of the Air Force, from Delaware Technical Community College and other national accrediting bodies. While in the US Air Force, he worked in the field of Fire Protection Engineering. His military career led him to not only be stationed stateside, but also overseas in such places as: Laon AFB – France, Iwo Jima Air Base, Japan, both Howard and Albrook Air Force Base, Panama and Nakhon Phanom Air Force Base, Thailand. He rose from a Fire Specialist, where he was responsible for extinguishing burning threats; to Assistant Chief of Technical Services, where he was responsible for the Extinguisher Maintenance Section and Site Planning Review and Fire Protection Systems Planning Sections. He retired as Deputy Fire Chief at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, DC. Upon entering civilian life, Jim’s work ethic, integrity and meticulous attention to detail earned him a position within the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal, where he worked for 30 years. He was the first African American to work in this office and was responsible for Site and Building Plan Submittals as well as Fire Protection Systems Plan Submittals for healthcare facilities. Jim loved the Lord and was a member of Immanuel Apostolic Church in Dover, DE, where he served as Senior Trustee for several years. In addition, he was a strong supporter of the community, especially organizations working with youth. As a result, he served on the board of Because We Care and was chairman of the board for a number of years. His fraternal affiliations included: being a member and Past Master of Dover Air Force Base Military Lodge #28, F.&A.M. (Prince Hall Affiliation); former Grand Junior Warden for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge for the State & Jurisdiction of Delaware; Honorary Past Most Worshipful Grand Master, State & Jurisdiction of Delaware; member and Past Commander-in-Chief of Corinthian Consistory #5, A.A.S.R.; Grand Inspector General, 33rd Degree, United Supreme Council, A.A.S.R; member and Past Potentate of Suakim Temple #60 A.E.A.O.N.M.S. where he served in the Clown Unit; and member and Past Patron of Hattie S. Blackwell Chapter #16, O.E.S. Jim will be missed by many relatives and friends. He was always good for a story about his youth, sharing life experiences, discussing the Word, and would join anyone for a good meal and conversation. He leaves his beloved wife, Sonja E. Bunkley; five sons, Pascal Odiot, George J. Bunkley and wife, Renee Bunkley, Jimmy E. Bunkley, Tracy P. Bunkley and James E. Bunkley; three daughters, Kimora Sample; Gwen Washington and Faye Wheeler and his aunt, Katie N. Warner of California; grandchildren, Priscilla Odiot, Patrick Odiot, Matias Odiot, Mariah Landry, Jasmine Bunkley, Brittany Jones, DeLisa Bunkley, Clesha Washington, Celia Washington and George and Greg Washington; seven great-grandchildren; close friend, Pastor A. G. Carney and a host of close relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by both of his grandmothers, Ginny Bunkley, and Sue Emma McCleure; his aunts, Betty Green and Jane Tate and his uncle, Christopher M. McCleure. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E Bunkley, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

James E Bunkley

March 10, 1937 - April 27, 2016