James Emerson Dunbar

James Emerson Dunbar, age 92, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at his home surrounded by loved ones. James was born to Emerson and Audra Dunbar in Salem, West Virginia in 1924. He came from humble beginnings and later moved to Baltimore, Maryland. He served his country as a WWII Naval Veteran during which time, two ships were shot out from under him. After his honorable discharge in 1945, James was married the following year and had four children: Beverly, Michael, Jill and Kevin. He often worked 100+ hour weeks with Martin Company, but loved a challenge and would restore cars in his spare time. In 1958, he volunteered to join a rocket program that became available to him in Florida where he became an engineer for NASA until retiring in 1987. James later moved to Woodstock, Georgia to live out his golden years with his son and daughter in law, Elizabeth, whom he cared for as a daughter. James is preceded in death by his parents, Emerson and Audra Dunbar; brother, Nile Dunbar; and sisters, Cornelia Koltz, Martha Lee Fink and Mary Lou McCarter. He leaves behind his four children, Beverly McGinnis of Apopka, Florida, Michael Dunbar and his wife, Mary, of Alameda, California, Jill Reid and her husband, Jay, of Apopka, Florida and Kevin Dunbar and his wife, Elizabeth, of Woodstock, Georgia; four grandchildren, Jesse Price, Kerra Smith, Aubrey Dunbar and Kevin Dunbar II; and four great-grandchildren, Brogan, Gavin, Ethan and Kohen to cherish his memory. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. Those who wish to attend are welcome to join Woodstock Funeral Home in procession with the Georgia Patriot Guard Riders leaving the funeral home at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ memory to your choice of the National Audubon Society or the Cherokee County Humane Society.