James Robert Buntyn, Sr.

James Robert "Bob" Buntyn, Sr, was born in Union, MS on December 21, 1929. Bob passed away in Gulfport, MS on Sunday, April 30, 2006, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Buntyn's family moved many times during his formative school years, but, he graduated from high school in Union, MS. He then joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was a Communications Yeoman, Class "A" for the next four years. In May 1952, he received the Golden Conduct Medal, after serving his country with a tour of duty on Kwajalein Island. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Buntyn attended East Central Junior College in Decatur, MS and later graduated from Mississippi State in Starkville with a degree in business. Bob accepted a position with Allstate Insurance in Jackson, MS in the late 1950's. His next career change came when he accepted a position with Farm Bureau as a District Southern Manager for their Life Insurance Division. It was at this time that he moved to Purvis, MS and lived there from 1962 until 1977; when he moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He earned his "CLU" degree and became an independent insurance agent. This was the beginning of a long and active career with AFLAC Insurance Company that covered a span of 27 years. During his career with AFLAC, he was a District Coordinator and Regional Coordinator, all the while , continuing to work as an independent insurance agent. He represented numerous companies and was a member of The Million Dollar Round Table with Farm Bureau, The Presidents Club with AFLAC, and qualified year after year for international trips due to his hard work and productivity. Bob was very well respected for his many years of dedication to the insurance industry. Mr. Buntyn has been an active member of Ramsay Memorial United Methodist Church since 1979, and served on numerous committees and boards on the church's behalf. He was an active member of Orange Grove Civitans for many years, and was a past president of this organization. He was a member of The American Legion, Post 119 in Gulfport. Bob was an avid fisherman, loved to shrimp, and play golf. He truly had a "green thumb" when it came to gardening. He loved growing vegetables and enjoyed nothing more than sharing the fruits of his labor with his friends, neighbors, and relatives. He loved country music, cowboy boots, and flannel shirts! He enjoyed a wonderful life and had a sincere and deep love and concern for his family, friends, and his clients. He will be greatly missed by each and every life he touched during his 76 years of life. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Glen Buntyn, His mother, Ida George Hanson Buntyn, his father, Robert Wilmer Buntyn, and his sister, Annie Elizabeth Galloway. Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Sharon E. Buntyn, a son, James Robert "Bobby" Buntyn, Jr. and his wife Robin of Olive Branch, MS, his two daughters, Sherry Buntyn McCraw and husband Richard of Pontotoc, MS, and Anne Nicholson Danley and husband Robert E. of Gulfport. Additionally, he is survived by two step-daughters, Katherine Anderson of Biloxi, and Karen Beveridge and husband Matthew of Eugene, Oregon. He is also survived by Jessie L. Cervantes, to whom he was a custodial parent. Other survivors include his sister, Nell Buntyn Stamper and her husband Dr. Bernie Stamper of Borrego Springs, CA, and his brother, Dr. L. Ross Buntyn and his wife Emily of Gulfport. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. A "Celebration of Life" Memorial service will be held on Thursday evening May 4, at BelAire Baptist Church on Dedeaux Road in Gulfport at 6:30 p.m. All friends and family are encouraged to attend this gathering, as this will be our special time to reflect on the life of this wonderful and gentle man. On Friday, May 5th, Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Highway 49 and O'Neal Road in Gulfport (Orange Grove) will have a visitation for family and friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS. The honor of Pallbearers will be bestowed upon, Justin Buntyn, Joshua Buntyn, Randy Buntyn, Rick Galloway,Larry Galloway, Michael Black, Gary Thrash, Austin Voytko, and Bill Slayton. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com