PRESQUE ISLE – James Herbert Hunter, Ph.D., 79, died March 19, 2011, from multiple myeloma at The Aroostook Medical Center. He was born June 7, 1931, in Washburn, son of Augusta Goggin Hunter and Herbert S. Hunter.
Jim graduated as valedictorian of Washburn High School, Class of 1949, and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, with highest distinction and a degree in agricultural engineering in 1953. At that time he was commissioned as a second lieutenant of artillery in the U.S. Army Reserve through the ROTC program. He entered active duty with the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas, to attend the Officers Basic Course in anti-aircraft artillery. After graduation he was sent to the European Command, where he served with the Field Artillery for 15 months and was separated from service in April 1955. Jim married Joanne Howland of Portland, June 26, 1955. He continued his education, receiving a Master of Science degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Maine, Orono. He then took a position with the University of Maine as a professor of agricultural engineering stationed at the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station at the Aroostook Farm in Presque Isle. In 1977 he was awarded a doctorate in food and agricultural engineering. Jim’s life work involved research on equipment and storage for potatoes. He retired in 1991. He was a member of American Potato Association and American Society of Agricultural Engineers. In addition to his work in potato research, Jim remained a member of the Army Reserve for 30 years, receiving promotion to colonel in 1978. He was separated from active Army Reserve service in 1985. He was a life member of Reserve Officers Association. In his retirement years Jim spent countless hours working to maintain the facilities at Camp Nomacca. He was a member of Camp Nomacca’s executive board since 1984. Jim was also a member of State Road Advent Christian Church since 1977, serving many years as a trustee.
Jim was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Jean; and his wife, Joanne. He is survived by their four children, Barbara Miller and her husband, Stuart, of Reedsville, Pa., Richard Hunter and his wife, Susan, of Pensacola, Fla., Rebecca Hunter and her husband, David Lake, of Salisbury, N.H., and Deborah Tarr and her husband, Mark, of Washburn; and his grandchildren, Jamie Brewer and his wife, Stephanie, Bill Brewer, Carrie Lee Hunter and Andrew Miller. He will be greatly missed by his dear friend, Shirley Thaxter, who was a great comfort to him.
A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at State Road Advent Christian Church, Mapleton. Friends are invited for fellowship immediately after the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camp Nomacca, 2059 Washburn Road, Washburn. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.duncan-graves.com.