James H. "Jim" Hunter, Sr., 85, passed away on March 11, 2014, surrounded by family and friends in Brownsville, Texas.
Jim, a descendant of a Brownsville pioneer family, was born Jan. 7, 1929, on the family farm in El Jardin.
He obtained a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Texas in 1951. Upon graduation, and during the Korean conflict, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving on the Cutters Wachusett and Balsam in the Berring Sea. After his honorable discharge in 1954, Jim returned to Brownsville to work in the family business with his father, Earl Hunter, his uncle John Hunter, his brother Bob Hunter, his brother in law, A.L. Newman, and his son Tommy Hunter, who joined the business later. The business thrived for decades.
Jim was an honest, ethical businessman who never took shortcuts. He believed that education and a strong work ethic were the keys to success. But Jim will be remembered most for his other qualities and achievements.
Shortly after returning to Brownsville in 1955, Jim married the love of his life, Marilyn Houghtaling, a young school teacher. Together they raised three kids - Tommy, Terri and Jim Jr. He showed his kids and others what it meant to be a loving husband, especially during later years while he cared for Marilyn during her extended battle with Parkinson's disease, and eventual passing in 2008.
Jim was a true sportsman with a passion for the outdoors. Like his father, brother, and sister, Jim raised his family around a love and respect for the outdoors and wildlife. He loved deer hunting and he loved training pointer dogs to hunt quail. And he loved fishing for reds and trout on his boat. He taught Marilyn and the kids to fish and hunt in a respectful way. Most family outings and virtually all holidays were spent at the hunting lease in the winter and the Arroyo Colorado in the summer.
Jim was a generous and kind soul who had many lifelong friends. He was a man of few words with a sharp wit. Much of his communication and leadership were through his example. He was just an incredible man who showed, through his actions, what it meant to be a real husband, father and friend.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents, Earl C. Hunter and Jessie Baugh Hunter, his brother, Robert L. Hunter, his sister, Jean Hunter Newman and his brothers in law, A.L. Newman and Jim Houghtaling.
He is survived by his daughter Terri Burroughs (Jeff) of Austin, sons Tommy Hunter and Jim Hunter, Jr. (Myrna), and his beautiful granddaughters Andrea, Alexandra and Steffani Hunter of Brownsville, his sisters in law, Margie Hunter and Betty Coulter, and his dear and loving companions of many years, Esperanza Solis and Rafaela Gonzalez.
Jim was a faithful member of Central Christian Church.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at Central Christian Church with Pastor Lance Hostetter officiating on Friday, March 14, 2014, 1100 East Alton Gloor Blvd, Brownsville, Texas, 78526.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Christian Building Fund or the NRA Foundation, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Jim's remains will be interred at a private family burial service at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Delta Funeral Directors, family owned and operated, (956) 542-2222.P
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Delta Funeral Directors - Brownsville.
Tommy, Terri and Jimmy, What a wonderful person and friend your father was. I never saw him without a smile. Please hug Esperanza for me. You 3 are perfect examples of your parents love of each other. He will be missed.
Lizette Tandy
March 16, 2014
I am so saddened to learn of Jim's passing. He was a great man and an example for all of us to follow. My sincerest condolences go to the family. I am so thankful and blessed to have known Jim over the years.
Joe Irwin
March 16, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Terri, Tommy, Jimmy and the Hunter Family.
Marcial Leal
March 15, 2014
Please accept our deepest condolences - your father was an amazing man.
Kathleen & Paul Senecal
March 14, 2014
My family wishes yours peace at this time of remembrance for a good man.
George Squyres Jr and family
March 13, 2014
To Tommy, Jimmy, & Terri,
Our deepest sympathy to the Hunter family & wishing
you all the comfort of knowing that nothing can diminish the love & memories you all share.
James & Belinda Thompson
March 13, 2014
Tommy, Terri(Susie Cue), and Jimmy(Jimmito) - You (and love ones) will always have a room at my home and a place at my table. I am here for you to come to and talk to just as your Dad (and Mom) did for me. I love you guys deeply and already miss Uncle Jimmy - I still keep looking for him at HEB to help him put his groceries in his cart.
Cheryl
Brownsville
Cheryl DeLaFuente (Houghtaling)
March 13, 2014
Dear Tommy, Terri & Jimmy,
We both want you al to know that we thought the world of your father. Jack especially wanted me to let you know that he holds many, many fond memories of your Dad very close in his heart. Jack sends his deepest condolences from Nigeria & is sorry that he can't be here for your Dad's memorial. Know that you all are in our thought & prayers.
Jack & Esther Grantland
March 13, 2014
Tommy and Terri our thoughts and prayers are with you. So sad to hear about your loss. you are in our hearts. Lonnie Robinson and Elsy Sanchez Robinson and family.
March 13, 2014
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