James "Jim" Richard Kunze

Born on March 15, 1944, in Idabel, Oklahoma, to Richard S. Kunze and Opal Louise Kunze, Jim spent his early years in southeastern Oklahoma. He began his education at Idabel School through the eleventh grade before graduating from McAlester High School in 1962. His pursuit of knowledge continued throughout his life. He attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant from 1963 to 1964 and later returned to higher education while balancing work and family responsibilities. From 1986 to 1988, he studied part-time at both the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha and Central Oklahoma State University. In 1989, he graduated with honors from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany with a degree in Human Resource Management. He continued his academic journey by completing graduate coursework at Central Oklahoma State University and earning a Master of Science in Management from Southern Nazarene University in 1992.

Jim’s professional life was as diverse as it was impactful. At just sixteen years old, he launched a ten-year career in radio broadcasting where he served as a DJ, newscaster, play-by-play announcer, and consultant. From 1970 to 1991, he worked in retail management—primarily with TG&Y stores in Madill and Durant—where he developed a reputation for leadership and integrity. In addition to his retail work, Jim served as a court-appointed receiver for bankruptcy court in Caddo County during 1989 and 1990, overseeing the operation and reorganization of a large retail business.

In 2006, Jim retired after two decades with Oklahoma Career Tech’s Business and Industry Services Division. There he taught management techniques to small business owners and managers across the state while also offering one-on-one consultations. His leadership extended to managing Pontotoc Technology Center’s Business Incubator program—a role that earned him international recognition when he was named International Business Incubator Manager of the Year at a convention held in Toronto.

Jim’s dedication to education did not go unnoticed; he was honored as Oklahoma Marketing Educator of the Year and National Marketing Educator of the Year in 1993.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim found joy in woodworking, fishing, reading, and cheering on the University of Oklahoma teams. His Christian faith guided his life’s path and values.

Above all else, Jim cherished his family. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Leah J. Berry and her husband Dale of Charleston, Arkansas; his son H.R. Kunze and wife Laura of Sulphur, Oklahoma; grandchildren Annabelle Kunze of Sulphur; Frances Kunze of Pauls Valley; Gracie Berry and Pyper Berry of Charleston; as well as great-grandchildren Carter, Jaida, Owen, Josephine, and Rowen.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Opal Kunze; grandson Lemuel; brother Paul Kunze; stepmother Evelyn Kunze; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hartwell Funeral Home located at 320 W Main Street in Tishomingo. A funeral service will follow on Friday at 2:00 PM at the Hartwell Funeral Home located at 320 W Main Street in Tishomingo. Burial will follow at Tishomingo Cemetery.

Jim's legacy lives on through the generations he nurtured and the lives he touched. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

The family thanks you for all the prayers and support as they navigate thru this challenging time in their life.

Services are under the direction and care of Hartwell Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartwellfuneralhome.com