James Gunderson, 83, of Seven Lakes, N.C., passed away peacefully Wednesday at home with his immediate family surrounding him with love.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1931, in West Belmar, N.J., to the late Lawrence A. and Ruby Gunderson.

James retired from the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant after more than 20 years of active duty, including service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Among his awards and decorations are the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; five awards of the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After retirement, he taught Junior ROTC at Seneca Valley High School and at North Iredell High School in Statesville, N.C.

He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was active in many sports, and he was a concerned community activist.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Gunderson, and his sister, Marjorie Layton.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Gunderson; his three daughters, Kristen Berry and her husband, James, of Seven Lakes, N.C., Sheryl Cepek and her husband, Ronald, of Pennsylvania and Lisa Reed and her husband, Alston, of Seven Lakes; his brother, Lawrence Gunderson; his three sisters, Mary Scott, Virginia Scheidt and Jeanne Clayton; his seven grandchildren, Rachel Gallagher, Ryan Gallagher, Tyler Gallagher, Jacob Schlumpf, Lucas Schlumpf, Nick Brittner and Kara Stockham; and his great-grandchild, Moses Heine.

Gunderson — A memorial service for James Gunderson, who passed away Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Boles Funeral Home, Seven Lakes, N.C., with the Rev. Larry Lyons officiating. Burial will be at Arlington Memorial Cemetery, Va.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.Online condolences may be left at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.