GAMBIER — James C. “Jim” Kunkel, 78, of Gambier died unexpectedly May 7, 2010, in the Emergency Room at Knox Community Hospital.

He was born April 5, 1932, in Mount Vernon to Ivan and Marguerite (Frye) Kunkel. Jim was a 1950 graduate of Gambier High School. He was employed at the Bridge Shop prior to it closing. He was then employed by Cooper-Bessemer until his retirement in 1997 after 30-plus years. He was a charter member of the Gambier Volunteer Fire Department and was the first fire chief of the College Township Fire Department from 1961-62. Jim was a 60-plus year member of the Gambier fishing club, a past trustee of the College Township, a member of Pleasant Grange 677 for 62 years, and a member of the Civil Defense. Jim was an avid fisherman, dog lover, John Deere lover and collector, and enjoyed traveling the back roads with his fishing partner, close cousin and partner in crime, Paul Frye.

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa “Terry” Kunkel of Gambier; two brothers, Charles E. (Sharon) Kunkel of Ashland, Ky., and Harold (Linda) Kunkel of Mount Vernon; sisters-in-law, Rosemary Henley of Crestwood, Ky., and Janet (Fuzz) Weis of Maumee; close nephew, John (B.J.) Kunkel; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan Kunkel and Marguerite Kunkel Payne; and his wife of 50 years, Margaret Ann (Peterson) Kunkel, in 2003.

Visitation for friends and family of Jim Kunkel will be held Friday, May 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Dilley-Lasater Funeral Home, 212 N. Main St., Mount Vernon. Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 15, at 2:30 p.m. in Quarry Chapel Cemetery with Evangelist Dave Jones officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Knox County Humane Society or the College Township Fire Department. To express a condolence or share a memory with the family of James C. “Jim” Kunkel family, please visit www.dilleylasater.com.