Obituary of James Edgar Hunt

James Edgar Hunt, 96, prominent Niagara Falls attorney passed away Thursday December 4, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born January 10,1918 in Niagara Falls he was the son of William L. Hunt Sr. and Lucy Marks Hunt. He attended local schools, graduating from Niagara Falls High School in 1935. On November 23, 1939 he married Genevieve Crossley Hall. After graduating from Niagara University, he attended State University of New York at Buffalo receiving his Juris Doctor degree. After earning his Civilian Pilots license at the age of 22 in 1940 he signed with Dominion Sky Ways Limited. In July, 1941 he transferred to No9 Observers School, St. John's, Quebec. He got his Commercial Pilots license in 1942. In 1942 he enlisted as a Service Pilot, 60 Ferry Squadron, US Air Transport for the War Dept. In January 1943 he was commissioned as a 1st Lt. US Air Corp. He flew C-54's all over the Pacific and around the world including flying the Hump in India. His was the 14th plane to land in Tokyo when the Americans went in. He retired from active service in 1946. He was awarded 6 battle stars: Western Pacific, Ryukus, Air Offensive Japan, India Burma, Luzon, and Southern Philippines, and the Air Medal. He had over 3800 hours when released from service. After active duty in 1949 he was named Commanding Officer of the 178th Composite Squadron, USAF Reserves, Niagara Falls, a post he held until his retirement in 1978. He was awarded the Conspicuous Service for the State of New York, Captain, AC/AUS by Governor George Pataki, January 30, 2001. He was President of the Western Federation of Bar Associations of New York, on the Board of Directors of Lasalle Yacht Club, Riverside Development, and Oakwood Cemetery. He was a lifelong member of The Niagara Club, he belonged to the Retired Officers Association, VFW Post, American Legion, and a founding member of the American Air Museum in Britain. He was a family man who loved spending time with his children and his grandchildren. He was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed bowling on various leagues until he was 94. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and social activities with his many friends. He had many philanthropic interests which he was actively supporting over the years. He is survived by his children: Joanne E. Hunt of Wesley Chapel, Fl and Craig H. Hunt (Tammy) of Cincinnati, Oh, his grandchildren: Jennifer Hicks of Zephyrhills, FL, Angela Schifano of Lewiston, Kathryn Sanchez (Frank) of Wesley Chapel, FL, Christopher Hunt of Welland, FL, Brandon Maley (April) of Monroe, Oh, Blayne Maley (Abby) of Sharonville, Oh, great grandchildren: Gabriella Schifano, Bernardo Schifano, Hunter Hicks, Megan Hicks, Isabella Llanos, Francisco Sanchez, Allie Hunt, Amelia Peters-Maley, Caleb Maley, Keegan Maley, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Genevieve Hall Hunt who passed away January 10,1999; his brothers, William L. Hunt Jr and Alfred L. Hunt, and granddaughter, Alexandria C. Hunt. Friends may call at Hardison Funeral Home, N. 4th and Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9. Funeral services to be held Friday, December 12, at 2:00 pm, in St.Peter's Episcopal Church, 140 Rainbow Blvd, Niagara Falls, New York. Burial in the Riverdale Cemetery to be private.