James Cumbea's Obituary
James Major ?Bunt? Cumbea, son of Willard G. and Mary Shaw Hatch Cumbea, was born June 27, 1914, near Brice, Missouri. He departed this life Tuesday, March 1, 2011, in St. John?s Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-six years, eight months, and four days.
On October 17, 1936, he was united in marriage to Grace E. Holman, and to this union one son was born. Major and Grace celebrated their seventy-third anniversary in October of 2009.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Grace, on July 3, 2010; an infant brother; and three sisters, Genevieve Harrell, Lina DeGraffenreid, and Arlene Mills.
Major is survived by his son, Steven Cumbea, and his wife, Sandra, of Prospect, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Stephanie Cumbea and Tyler Cumbea, both of Prospect, Kentucky; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Brice area, and then moved with his family into Lebanon when he was twelve years old. After he and Grace were married, they made their home in Lebanon, and lovingly raised their son. Major served his country faithfully in the United States Navy during World War II. For twenty-five years, he worked as a route salesman for Colonial Baking Company in Lebanon.
Major professed his faith in Christ and was a member of Highland Park Church of God.
He greatly enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were hunting and fishing. He was an expert archer and a lifetime member of the Bow Hunters Association. He was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the local chapter was named the ?Bunt Cumbea Chapter? in his honor. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren.
Major was a loving father, grandfather, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of his family and many friends.
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