John Lee Bunting

John Lee Bunting, 69, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2025, surrounded by family. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, John's life was a testament to resilience, service, and love.

Born in Philadelphia on December 11, 1955, John was the son of Leola Torrence West. He was raised in Bridgeton by his foster grandmother, Fonzi Bunting. He was also lovingly guided by Dr. Jonathan and Isabel Moore, who became like parents to him and whose generosity, mentorship, and encouragement left an indelible mark on his life.

John graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1974. He attended Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), where he earned his bachelor's degree in history with a minor in community service in 1978, later earning his master's in student personnel services in 1997.

After being moved in by Dr. Jonathan & Isabel Moore, John hit the ground running – literally and figuratively – by being deeply involved in campus life at Glassboro State. He ran track and cross-country under Olympic coach Oscar Moore, joined the Student History Association and the Black Cultural League, and co-founded Jamilah Ascent, a newspaper serving minority students. He helped establish the Nu Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated - a role that was deeply important to him because of the fraternity's proud legacy of cultivating leadership, scholarship, and service among Black men, its enduring impact on the development of future generations, and the lifelong friendships he cherished within the brotherhood.

After an early career with the New Jersey Casino Commission, John found his calling in education. For more than 25 years, he dedicated himself to educational excellence as he taught, advised, and counseled countless students in Bridgeton and Millville Public Schools, retiring in 2020. His connections at Rowan University enabled him to bring valuable opportunities to Millville students, including introducing the Creating Higher Aspirations and Motivation Project (CHAMP) and exposing many to the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program. He also coordinated the Gentlemen by Choice Program of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with his fraternity brother William Meyers, helping young men develop character, leadership, and integrity.

John also gave generously to the broader community and to Rowan University. As an Alumni Association Board member, he took part in fundraising activities, constitutional revisions, coordinating reunions, and working with the Foundation Board on financial disbursements. He represented the alumni board at many significant events, including the opening of the refurbished Holly Bush Mansion, Edelman Planetarium, the unveiling of the Bronze Statue of Mr. Rowan, the Engineering School, the Student Recreation Center, Campbell Library, and the inauguration of Past President Dr. Herman James. He assisted with homecoming and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Breakfast, and served on the Community Advisory Board of the EOF Program as well as the EOF Alumni Coordinating Committee for several years. Dr. Herman James appointed him to the Task Force on Minority Recruitment and Retention and later to the Glassboro State College to Rowan University Transition Team.

Since the 1980s, John had also been a steadfast member of the South Jersey community, serving on the City of Bridgeton's Board of Zoning Adjustment, the City of Bridgeton's Local Assistance Board, the Cumco Federal Credit Union Board, as an Alternate on the Cumberland County Planning Board, the Cumberland County Board of Elections, and Former NJ Assemblyman E. Salmon's Subcommittee on Education.

His service and leadership earned him numerous honors, including the University Year for Action Valuable Service Award, the Glassboro State College EOF Award of Merit, the New Jersey Counselor Association Award of Honor, and the Millville Board of Education Award for Inspirational Commitment to Excellence. In 2023, Rowan University recognized him with its inaugural Community Impact Award.

John also found joy in everyday passions. He was an avid runner, competing in 5Ks and running daily until his illness. He loved dancing and listening to the sounds of Motown, often singing along to WDAS-FM 105.3 and belting out the music of The Whispers, The Temptations, and Patti LaBelle. He enjoyed bowling and horseshoe tournaments in his younger years. He also delighted in life's simple pleasures - grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and Rita's Water Ice were favorites. His signature sneeze could be heard a mile away, often bringing smiles and laughter to those around him.

At the center of his life was family. On June 7, 1980, John married the love of his life, Darlene Carter, in Bridgeton. Their 45-year marriage was a love story for the ages, a partnership rooted in faith and filled with devotion. Together they raised three children, Donaven Bunting, Darla (the late Quentin) Liggins, and Danielle Bunting, and celebrated the joy of becoming grandparents to Savannah Liggins and Noah Wright.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his siblings, Janet Sellars (Bernard), Charles West (Joann), and Patricia West (Willie Ellis); and a host of family, friends, and fraternity brothers whose lives he touched. He was predeceased by his mother, Leola West; his foster grandmother, Fonzi Bunting; his parental figures, Dr. Jonathan and Isabel Moore; his parents-in-law, James and Rebecca Carter; and his son-in-law, Quentin Liggins.

John will be remembered as a man who turned obstacles into opportunities, who mentored countless youth, and who believed in the transformative power of education and community. His legacy is etched in the lives of his family, friends, fraternity brothers, colleagues, students, and the many communities he served - with a steady hand, a quick wit, and a heart that met the world with both integrity and kindness.

Celebration Service

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Visitation

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated – Omega Service (Open to the public)

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Location

Union Baptist Temple

30 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Interment

Fernwood Cemetery

794 Shiloh Pike

Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Floral Arrangements

To send an all-white floral arrangement for the Celebration of Life, contact:

The Flower Shoppe

780 S. Main Rd.

Vineland, NJ 08360

Phone: 856-691-9292

All other deliveries should be sent to the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Corry Fennell.