John G. Bunker

JOHN G. BUNKER John G. Bunker, 89, noted writer and for many years a resident of West Palm Beach, Florida (and more recently, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida), died at home on Wednesday, December 11, 2002 of natural causes. Mr. Bunker, a member of First Church of Christ Scientist, West Palm Beach, was born in Wilkinsburg, Pa, and graduated in Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the Merchant Marine from high school and as a member of the heroic "black hole gang," shoveled coal into the furnaces that kept the vital cargo going through the multiple hazards of war. He served in the Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, Middle East and Mediterranean Theatres and from his experiences came his book, Heroes in Dungarees, the definitive history of the merchant marine in World War II published by the Naval Institute Press. After the war, Mr. Bunker served on the editorial staffs of the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Dayton Journal-Herald, the San Diego Evening Tribune, and the Christian Science Monitor. He handled a wide range of editorial assignments-feature writing, military reporting and waterfront coverage in Boston and San Diego. His maritime writings won a number of national awards. During his career, he also handled public relations for the Seafarers International Union and for the National Federation of American Shipping and he served as chairman of the Advisory Board of the New York State Maritime Museum. As an early member of the Writers League of the Palm Beaches, his recent "Sir Arthur Kagle" spoofs were considered masterpieces of humor by the other professional writers in the group. Additional books by Mr. Bunker include, Harbor & Haven - An Illustrated History of the Port of New York," and Liberty Ships - The Ugly Ducklings of World War II. He also published numerous articles in many national publications. Mr. Bunker was pre-deceased by his wife, Anita; and leaves a daughter, Beverly Bozung; a brother-in-law, Phil Anderson; and a nephew, Bill Anderson - all of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; a former son-in-law, Jim Bozung of Nebraska; and cousins, Joe Bunker of Bethesda, MD, Grace and Bob Hutton of Midlothian, VA and Martha and Frank Cianfrone of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at Quattlebaum-Holleman-Burse Funeral Home, 1201 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, 3200 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409; or to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407. QUATTLEBAUM-HOLLEMAN-BURSE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED www.Quattlebaum.org