James R. Hunkler

Hunkler James R. Hunkler, age 88, died on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. An employee of Battelle Memorial Institute for more than 40 years, he served in a wide range of public and community relations positions calling for writing and editing skills. His background was in journalism, and he earned a B.S. in Journalism at West Virginia University (1950). He was active in many community and professional groups and was, over the years, a president and/or board member of the following organizations: Columbus Urban League, Columbus Area Leadership Program (and its Leadership Columbus alumni group), Gypsies Travel Club, LifeCare Alliance Meals on Wheels, Central Ohio Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists/Sigma Delta Chi, West Virginia University Journalism Alumni Association, the University District Organization in Columbus, and the International Visitors Council in Columbus. He was a recipient of the Columbus Area Leadership Program's Columbus Area Leadership Award (1990) and the Society of Professional Journalists chapter Distinguished Service Award (1977). Mr. Hunkler was a longtime member of St. Christopher Church in Columbus, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Press Club of Ohio. As a Press Club member, he performed in more than 20 of the Club's annual Gridiron Shows and served as a chairman and co-chairman for the Show. For his dedication to the Show, he was given the Club's 1991 Hambone Award. As a student at West Virginia University, he was elected to Kappa Tau Alpha journalism honorary, Sphinx senior men's honorary, Scabbard and Blade military honorary, and Journaliers. His degree was with high honors. He was-an ROTC officer and served on active duty in Japan in the 1950's as Aide de Camp to the commanding general of Far East Air Logistic Force and was a reservist for a number of years, attaining the rank of major. Mr. Hunkier was an avid traveler and visited some 100 countries, islands, and territories in the Far East, Middle East, Europe, India, Central and South America, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, and the Carribean. Born and reared in Wheeling, WV, he was the only child of James M. and Geneva (Phillips) Hunkier, both deceased. He leaves no immediate family, but is survived by many cherished friends in Columbus, Wheeling and various parts of the world. Jim requested no visitation. His funeral Mass is Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 10 a.m., at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 1420 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Rev. Fr. David Poliafico, Presider. Burial to follow, Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling, WV. In lieu of flowers, friends may, if they wish, contribute to the charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted with JOHN QUINT TREBONI, 1177 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.