Smsgt. James Edward Tunstall, Usaf (Ret.)

James Edward Tunstall, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, peacefully passed away at his residence on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, surrounded by family.

James was born on February 15, 1933, in Oxford, North Carolina, but grew up in Chase City, Virginia. Before professing his love for his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force, he attended Thyne Institute in Chase City, where he excelled in football. James was a true patriot who loved serving in the military and made a 20-year career of working as an aircraft mechanic of the F-15. In April of 1973, he retired having attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, but resumed his service to his country while working in Civil Service at Robins Air Force Base.

While maintaining and repairing aircrafts for many years, James developed a passion for flying. He was thrilled to have brought his dream of becoming a pilot to life when he received his private pilot license. When he wasn’t in the air, you could find James riding motorcycles or spending time with his family. He was a longtime, faithful member of Abundant Life Church of God by Faith, where he served as a Deacon. He was also proud to serve as a 32nd degree Mason.

He was preceded in death by his children, Beverly Ann Robinson and Conrad Tunstall; his parents, James Garfield and Allie Baker Tunstall; and one sister.

Surviving James are his loving wife of 35 years, Rubie L. Tunstall of Warner Robins; children, Felicia Ann Tunstall of Warner Robins, and James Anthony Tunstall and Sonja Nichelle Walker (Bobby), both of Albany; 10 grandchildren; and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, September 4, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. James will be laid to rest with a graveside funeral service in Magnolia Park Cemetery, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 5, 2021, with Elder Raymond Scott and Deacon James King officiating.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Learn about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.