We were more like brothers because we grew up only a few blocks apart. He was my best friend and taught he to swim. ride a bicycle, play baseball. We spent a lot of nights sleeping over at each others house. He wrote to me a lot when he was in Vietnam and was well respected by his men. He won several medals and was a very brave man. I miss him every day!

James (Buddy) Hulen was only 2 years older than me and he taught me how to swim at the Sikeston Jaycee pool by having me jump in from the side of the pool and he would be in the water a few feet from me and I would swim the best I could to him and the next time I jumped in he had moved a few more feet out and I'd swim to him again. By the end of the day I was swimming good. We were more like brothers than uncle and nephew and he had infinite patience with me. Will always miss him. He was my hero and I loved him very much. 

Very sorry for your loss. My memories go back a ways. Mr. Hulen was always good about taking me and Chris out to the complex to hit. He would pitch to us while the other would shag in the outfield. I remember him working with me and I hit the ball over the fence for the first time. I also remember his coming outside and yelling for Chris at dinner time. Been along time since I have been home. He was a good man and I spent a good amount of time playing at his house as a kid. Prayers for Chris, Sean, Sandy  and family. 

Sandy  we had such fun playing games and hanging out with you guys. But one memory stands out to me. The Vietnam wall was here and we visited it with you and Buddy. It was such a moving experience and Buddy helped us recognize several people. 

I wish we could see you and catch up with your life. We both were tested today for possible Covid.  So we have to quarantine. Just know that you are in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. Love you Barry and Rita


I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.

Jim was a  coworker of mine, but he was my friend.  He was an amazing man.  I really enjoyed taking to him. He was a lot of to argue with.  A great veteran, thanks for your service!  Jim will be missed!

Jim has been my friend for the past 20 years.  We worked together in the insurance industry for two different companies.  He helped me find a job when I needed it most.  We played a lot of golf together and, while he won every time, he never gloated about it.  Over the years, even when we were in different cities, he would call and talk about business or just catch up on our lives. He was a great friend and I’ll miss him very much.

Me and Buddy grew up together more like brothers than him being my uncle and only 2 years older than me. We stayed all night at each others houses literally hundreds of times growing up. He taught me how to swim in the old Sikeston swimming pool and I attended most all of his baseball games from little league all the way through Babe Ruth league. He was a great friend and wonderful man who was a patriot and a Viet Nam Vet. One of my heroes too. Love Buddy and will miss him more than I can say.

OBITUARY

James Ray Hulen

October 1, 1945 – November 6, 2020

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel

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