Jimmy L. Bunnell

Jimmy Bunnell, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at Centrica Rose Arbor Place on February 1, 2025. He was born on May 29, 1970, in Pontiac, MI to Edgar and Linda Bunnell.

Jimmy went to elementary school in Algonac, MI, before his family relocated to Portage, where he graduated high school from Portage Central.

Jimmy enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably for over 21 years until his retirement in 2010 at the rank of Master Sergeant. During his career in the military, he served with the Logistics Readiness Squadron to have all materials and equipment ready for distribution at any time as well as ensuring all supplies arrive at the intended destination on time. He was deployed several times including Korea, Kosovo, and the Middle East.

He earned numerous decorations during his career including Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 OLCs (Oak Leaf Clusters, signifies valor, wounds, distinguished service, or a second award of the same medal), Air Force Achievement Medal with 3 OLCs, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award with 7 OLCs, Good Conduct Medal with 7 OLCs, National Defense Service Medal with 1 service star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 service star, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon Short, AF Overseas Ribbon Long with 2 OLCs, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and 1 OLC, AF Longevity Service with 4 OLCs, USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 1 OLC, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with 1 service star, AF Training Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.

During Jimmy’s service, he also excelled academically in earning his associate degree in applied computer science, Airman Leadership School, Senior NCO Academy, and Supply Systems Analysis. His generosity extended in the community as he volunteered much of his free time to Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs and guided many young cadets into honorable and successful airmen. He was a Cadet himself in the 1980s and continued to serve the Civil Air Patrol for the remainder of his life. He was also very active in the Portage VFW Post 5855, serving as Quartermaster for 13 years.

After retiring from the Air Force, Jimmy worked at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek as an IT technician. Many coworkers became friends as they came to know Jimmy as kind, humorous, and an all-around great person to be around.

Though Jimmy was incredibly dedicated to serving his country, he was even more dedicated to being a loving father and present with his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children David and Melissa, whether it was watching a favorite movie, listening to music or playing Dungeons and Dragons. His fun loving and creative mind lead him to tabletop role playing games and electronics, and he shared this passion with his son.

Jimmy enjoyed travelling, whether it was by land, air, or sea. Many memorable trips were taken to the Caribbean, many States, and fishing trips to Canada with his brother.

Jimmy began dating Paula in November of 2014, and they were married in 2022. Though their happily ever after was short, it was filled with immense love, laughter, and support.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Paula, his children David and Melissa, his mother Linda, his brother and sister-in-law Eddie and Teresa, and his beloved cats Nala and Toby. He was preceded in death by his father Edgar and his daughter Laura.

A Celebration of Jimmy’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 2PM to 5 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Home 411 East Centre Ave. Portage, MI 49002. Jimmy will then be laid to rest on Saturday February 15, 2025, at 1PM at Schoolcraft Township Cemetery with full military honors. Following the burial, there will be a dinner at 4PM at the Portage VFW Post 5855 8845 S. Sprinkle Rd. Portage, MI 49002.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jimmy’s memory to the Portage VFW Post 5855 or to Disabled American Veterans.

Please visit Jimmy’s memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with his family at https://www.Langelands.com