Air Force bunkmates from 1961-1962, Russell Hurval and Jim Lefever, were reunited after five decades this week in East St. Louis.

They had lost touch for 52 years before Russell searched for Jim online. After finding a phone number that could possibly lead him to Jim, he left a voicemail, unknowing if his old bunkmate would be the one to receive it. Jim, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri, did receive the message, and the men were able to reconnect in person on Wednesday April 30 at the Casino Queen Hotel in East St. Louis.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Article continues after sponsor message

Russell and his wife, Teresa, wanted to make the reunion a part of their road trip from home in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where they are headed to visit the base where he and Jim first became friends.

 ###

More like this:

Jan 23, 2024 - Traffic Stop In Madison Co.: Semi Driver Caught With 40 Kilograms of Illegal Drugs Is Sentenced

Apr 8, 2024 - Nonn Identifies Two Victims In Sunday, April 7, 2024, Crash On Highway 159

Mar 20, 2024 - SIUE WE CARE Clinic Introduces Mobile Health Unit during Health Fair, Co-Hosted with East St. Louis Kappa Alpha Psi Alumni 

Mar 7, 2024 - Belleville’s April Williams to Shine at State of the Union as Guest

Feb 11, 2024 - Norman Ross to Share Historical Significance of the Hudlin Family at SIUE’s Learning Resource Center