James Franklin Hunsucker, Sr., 97, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, due to medical complications. He was born in Asheboro, NC and was a longtime resident of Hampton, VA.

James was in the Merchant Marines from 1945-1952 and traveled throughout the world including Italy, France, Japan, England, Germany, and Puerto Rico. After the Merchant Marines, James joined the US Army for a two-year stint from 1952-1954, where he taught seamanship classes and was a specialist in wire rope and splicing. Three days after receiving his honorable discharge from military service, James married the love of his life, Sylvia Aldin Marshall. He also went on to run F&H Corporation T/A World Credit Furniture and kept the store going for more than fifty years. Additionally, he and his wife started a Thoroughbred racehorse business and kept it going for several decades.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Marshall Hunsucker. James is survived by his son, James F. Hunsucker, Jr. (Debra) of Charles Town, WV; a daughter, Celia H. Hudgins (Glenn), of Carrsville, VA; grandchildren, James F. Hunsucker, III (Nikole), Hilary Klich (Lance), Christy Gillam (Bryce), and Jeremy Hudgins; great-grandchildren, Costin, Fortres, Valor, Mya, Roman, Maxwell, and Leah. He also has several cousins that he talked to often and maintained close relationships with.

Visitation will be from 6-7 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held, for all to attend at 1 PM on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Peninsula Memorial Park with Rev. Don Phelps officiating.