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James R. Humphrey Jr.

James R. (Jim) Humphrey Jr. died peacefully on Monday, April 4, 2016, finally resting after a nine year battle following a massive stroke in 2007. 

Jim was born in Grafton, West Virginia on April 7, 1948.  His family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent most of his childhood.  He attended Cleveland City Schools and subsequently studied philosophy and political science at Cuyahoga Community College. 
 
He was a proud former member of the United States Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of lance corporal.  His bravery with the Ninth Marines during a tour of duty in the Vietnam War earned him the Purple Heart with a Gold Star, as well as numerous other commendations. 
 
Jim worked for Ohio Bell (later SBC, Ameritech, and AT&T) for thirty years as a service technician before retiring in 1999.  He was “the phone man” for the people of Newport and New Matamoras for much of this time. 
 
Prior to his stroke, Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, backpacking, and rock climbing.  He often said that his favorite places were Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks in West Virginia, describing Spruce Knob at the crack of dawn as his “church”.  Jim was a strong political conservative who enjoyed a healthy debate. 
 
He was also a talented musician, both as an outstanding vocalist and guitar player.  He was fond of all types of music, including classical, country, and rock.  A visitor to Jim’s house could be treated to Mozart, Merle Haggard, and Aretha Franklin within the same hour.  He was a long-suffering fan of the Cleveland Browns.  Jim was an avid reader and a challenging adversary in cards and word games.  He loved spending time with his dogs Sandy, Molly, and Sadie.   
 
Jim is survived by his wife Melidi, his son Jim (Heidi) of Marietta, and his daughter JoAnn (Travis) Kundel of Florissant, Missouri;  four grandchildren, Brandon and Victoria Humphrey of Marietta and Ryan and Evan Kundel of Florissant, Missouri, his sister Janet Hughes of McHenry, Illinois, his close friend Paul Hurt of Cleveland, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James R. Humphrey Sr. and Velma L. Humphrey of Cleveland, Ohio and his beloved German Shepherd Bear. 
 
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no public memorial service at this time.  A private memorial is being planned for immediate family.  Jim’s ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.  In lieu of cards or flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America or the Wounded Warrior Project in Jim’s name.