A true patriot

Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on those who gave their lives defending American freedom. Unlike Veterans’ Day that celebrates those who choose to serve their country, Memorial Day is a more somber occasion, remembering the fallen.
The most patriotic person that I have ever met passed away last year. He did not die in combat, but he lived each day as if it was Memorial Day. Mr. James Dunagan was a patriot of patriots until his death at the age of 92.
When the nation entered WWII in 1941, Dunagan was a student at Coffeeville High School. After his 18th birthday, he was torn between finishing his education and volunteering to serve his country. His love for his nation won and he entered the Navy in September of 1943.
Dunagan saw combat in the New Guinea campaign, one of the longest campaigns of the war. Dunagan and his crewmates experienced heavy artillery as the Allied forces soundly defeated the Japanese Empire in what has been called one of the most arduous fought campaigns of the war. Honorable discharge came for Dunagan in April 1946.
Marker at Ulcanush Cemetery
Never one to discuss what he had witnessed in the Pacific, Dunagan returned to Coffeeville where he assumed a quiet life; first working as a log truck driver, a logger and eventually a Clarke County commissioner.
Dunagan was raised in Ulcanush Baptist Church and he and his wife, Sybil, then raised their four children there as well. Though a patriot, Dunagan and his wife struggled as their son Glen was drafted into the Vietnam War. This experience only strengthened the Dunagans’ belief in God and country. Thankfully, Glen returned home after two years of combat in Vietnam.
A patriot for his entire life, James Dunagan never sat when the nation’s colors were displayed or when the Pledge of Allegiance was said. Even as he grew feeble and depended on assistive devices to walk, Mr. James would stand. I can vividly remember one Sunday in church as the Battle Hymn of the Republic was played and the youth brought in the flags, Mr. James was struggling to stand up. A well-meaning parishioner told him that everyone would understand if he just sat. True to form, Mr. James said, “I will always, always stand for my country.” And he did.


Even as a senior adult, it troubled Mr. Dunagan that he had not received his high school diploma. He took and passed his GED classes and was awarded a diploma by Coffeeville High School in 2009. His family and most of the town was in attendance to celebrate with him.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. James and Mrs. Sybil were having a serious conversation in which Mr. James requested that should he die before her and if funds were available that she would ask the church that a flag pole be erected in the center of the cemetery.
Mrs. Sybil, sweet and ever practical, reminded Mr. James that he was the chairman of deacons. She also told him that if he wanted it done, he should be able to enjoy it in his living years. Now, in the very center of the Ulcanush Cemetery is a grand flagpole, proudly displaying Old Glory.
The sentiments on the marker next to it were words chosen by Mr. James himself, “In memory of all who paid the ultimate sacrifice; in honor of all who have served. Lest we forget.”