James was the son of William Dunkerson and Fannie Martin. At the time of his death he was married to Etta Dunkerson (nee Weliver). He was a tree pruner and died of an accidental electrocution. (source: Indiana Death Certificate)

Obituary: James R Dunkerson was instantly killed yesterday afternoon at 2:25 o'clock by coming in contact with a live wire. Mr Dunkerson is a tree trimmer by occupation and he was employed to cut off some large branches and limbs on a big tree in front of the Leiter residence at the corner of Eleventh and Columbia streets. His helper was up in the tree and had sawn off a big limb which, when it fell struck the telephone wires and carried a number of them to the ground. Mr Dunkerson‘s assistant asked him to throw up a rope which was lying on the ground and when Dunkerson reached for the desired article, his hand came in contact with one of the wires which happened to be charged with a high voltage. He fell to the ground and before help could reach him he was dead. Dr George F Beasley was called. The physician pronounced the man dead and the coroner, Roy V Hannell, was notified. The body was then taken to the Frank and Son undertaking establishment where it was prepared for burial. The unfortunate man was 50-years old and was born in Louisville, Ky. He had lived in Lafayette eighteen years, though ten years ago he left the city and went to Indianapolis, where he resided six years. He returned to Lafayette three years ago and resided at 270 Green Street. He is survived by the widow and five children: Leona, James, Jr, Marcus, Mayme and Henry. Mr Dunkerson was an industrious workman and his untimely death will cause deep regret to the many friends in this city. In his line of work he was considered an expert and his skill had won for him much praise. The remains will be taken to the family residence this morning.

Source:The Lafayette, Indiana Morning Journal, Wednesday, October 1, 1913.