James M. HUBBS

HUBBS, JAMES M., 81, died Friday, October 12, 2012 at home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness. A celebration of his life to include full military honors will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2012 in the Chapel at St Stephen's Church, 575 Tuskawilla RD., Winter Springs, FL 32708 followed by a reception. The Reverend John
Bluett will officiate. He was a loving husband to Monica C. (Kerins) wife of 60 years; and a devoted father to his precious daughters: Cynthia Ann Hubbs (Bud Bernat), Forked River, NJ; Monica Jayne Churilla (John Churilla) Winter Springs FL; Lynda Karyl Hansen, Carpinteria, CA. He treasured being a doting grandfather to his darling granddaughter, Brett Ashlyn Churilla of Winter Springs, FL. He is survived by brothers, Billy Hubbs (Linda) and David Hubbs of Camden TN.; and sister, Cheryl Hubbs, of Murfreesboro, TN. He was preceded in death by his loving son, James Alan Hubbs; his brothers, Troy Hubbs and Haynes Hubbs (Lynda); and sisters, Fannie Stockdale and Doris Hollingsworth all of Camden TN. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He was born in Camden, TN on April 26, 1931. Graduating from Camden High School, he moved to Chicago, IL where he met Monica. He resided there for three years before joining the US Air Force in 1951. Stationed in Denver, CO in February of 1952, Jim and Monica were married. While on active duty, he completed his BS at Park College, Kansas City, MO. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force from November 1951 until October 1976 as an In-flight Refueler (Boom Operator) in the elite Strategic Air Command (SAC) whose mission included providing in-flight refueling in KC-135 Aircraft for many U.S. Air Force pilots during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for meritorious achievement under extremely hazards conditions in the air war over Vietnam, the Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, and 10 other various Medals and Ribbons to include the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Completing nearly 26 years of service and achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, Jim retired from the Air Force at Rickenbacker Air Force Base, Columbus, OH. During the first year after retirement, he worked for Hubbs Construction Company in Camden, TN. He relocated to Orlando, FL completing 20 years of employment with US Postal Service. After this final retirement, he divided his time between enjoying his cherished yard with its many orchids, various flowers and plants and on restoring the "55 Chevie", he purchased in 1955. He was a life long member of Cowells Chapel United Methodist Church of Camden, TN. Jim was truly a handsome-southern-gentlemen with a pensive soul, a beautiful smile and a unique dry sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by his extended family, especially his devoted sister-in-law, Anita A. Haran, his many life-long coveted dear friends, and neighbors and all of his military in-flight refueling comrades, who served so proudly in the Strategic Air Command of the US Air Force. The family wishes to thank Dr. Francis Covelli and staff, especially nurses, Julie Rivera and Christy Johnson and the dedicated caregivers from, Kassy Home Health Care, (Elba, Shelly, Tina and Natalie) VITAS/Hospice Care and the VA. In lieu of flowers, request memorials be made in Jim's name to Wounded Warriors, DAV, PAV, VFW or Salvation Army.