WEST FRANKFORT -- James R. Dunston went home to be with the Lord at 2:12 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2014, while in his home surrounded by his family and pastor. Jim was born May 22, 1938, in Marion. He was the son of William H. and Fredith Marie (Calvin) Dunston. Jim married the love of his life, Judith Pully, on Nov. 1, 1958, in West Frankfort, and they shared over 55 years of marriage. Jim was a faithful servant to Christ through the Heights Church of God, since September 1999. He grew up in West Frankfort and graduated from Frankfort Community High School in 1956 where he not only enjoyed, but excelled in Future Farmers of America. Jim became an apprentice electrician of IBEW Local 702 where he then became a journeyman wireman. From there he began his own electrical contracting business known as Dunston Electric which operated for 20 years. In those 20 years he accomplished many things including establishing Parkview Nursing Home, building and establishing Ninth Street mobile home park, maintained partial ownership of Enreco reclaimation mine. He was co-owner and on the board of directors of First Community Bank, Jim was a coal broker, established and ran Shady Acres Ostrich Farm, and finally became a partner of Budmark Oil Company. Jim was a partner of Budmark Oil Company from 1981 until 2001, when he then obtained sole ownership. It was during his partnership with Hiram Hughes that he and Hiram were awarded the prestigous WildCatter of the Year in 1992 for their work with the Burr Oak Discovery Well in Williamson County. Jim and Hiram made several, significant oil discoveries during their time together at Budmark. Jim was on the Board of Trustees for the Southern Illinois Church of God Campground Association. In 1972 he became a member of Franklin County Country Club and maintained his membership until 2012. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was an avid golfer. The things he held most dear to his heart was the time he spent with his family, friends, and building his relationship with God. Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years Judy. His son and daughter-in-law, Brett and Barbara Dunston of West Frankfort; his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Rocky Ridgeway of West Frankfort; five grandchildren, Brett Dunston Jr. and his fiancee, Ashlee Moore, Lance Ridgeway and his partner, Kelsey Young, Joshua Ridgeway, Brigett Dunston Fitch and her husband, Jon Fitch, and Nicole Ridgeway; five great-grandchildren, Seiger James Dunston, Lainee Dunston, Boedy Fitch, Landry Dunston, and Isaac Ridgeway; one brother, Michael C. Dunston and life-long partner, Rita Jones of the Virgin Islands; his niece, Lauren Dunston and great-nephew, Harper Douglas Strickland, as well as Rita's son, Jason Jones, Jason's wife, Ruth and grandson Ty Jones. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his maternal and paternal grandparents; his brother, Billy Dale and infant sister, Mary Sue. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, in Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort, with the Rev. Joe Daniels officiating. Burial will be in Denning Cemetery on Orient Road. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the *St. Jude Children's Research Hospital*<http://media2.legacy.com/adlink/5306/1494161/0/3380/AdId=1145458;BnId=1;itime=180961721;ku=1199956;key=STJ;nodecode=yes;link=https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=13522&pID=18290&frequency_selected=2&memoryFirstName=James&memoryLastName=Dunston&sc_cid=ptn1>and will be accepted at the funeral home. To sign the guest register, visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on May 4, 2014