James Francis Hunt

James "Francis" Hunt, Sr. (1938–2025)
James Francis Hunt, 86, of Clinton, Louisiana (East Feliciana Parish), peacefully left this world to be with the Lord on July 16, 2025, while in his Clinton home, surrounded by family. Born in McCool, Mississippi (Attala County), on October 26, 1938, he spent his early childhood there before moving with his family to Clinton in 1945, where he resided the rest of his life.
He graduated from Clinton High School in 1957. It was there, under the tutelage of Coach M. Nay Williams, that Francis developed a fierce love for the game of football. A talented athlete, he is often remembered as one of the best full backs to come out of Clinton High. It was also there he met his high school sweetheart, Ginger Andrews, who after graduation became his cherished wife of more than 65 years. A skilled golfer, Francis was awarded a golf scholarship to attend Louisiana College in Pineville, where he earned a degree in physical education. He later went on to earn a Master's +30 in Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
Francis dedicated his life to public service, starting his career as a beloved football coach, history teacher and mentor to his students. After ending his 16 year coaching stint at Pride High School in 1976, he moved on to serve as principal at Clinton Middle School, and Clinton High School before becoming supervisor of personnel and curriculum for the East Feliciana Parish School Board. During this time he served 28 consecutive
years in parish government, 24 of those years as president of the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury.
A humble man of faith, Francis was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church, Clinton. He served faithfully as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and led the parish prison ministry for many years. Upon retirement in 2002, he fulfilled another dream when he designed and built Oak Lake Golf Course. He was blessed to spend his golden years working along side his son, Jamie, together building a successful family business.
Though the game of golf was a lifelong hobby turned legacy, his true passion lied in the written word. Francis could often be found at Oak Lake sitting in the corner of the clubhouse pecking away on his computer where in his "spare time" he authored eleven novels, including the Providence and Hardwork book series and a children's book.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger; daughters Beth Hunt Fudge of Clinton and Julie Hunt Bryant (TJ) of Vonore, TN; son James "Jamie" Francis Hunt, Jr (Christi); and son-in-law Ike McKnight all of Clinton, and Robert Fudge of Skiatook, OK. He is also survived by his grandchildren Josh Fudge (Ashley) of Zachary, LA, Kristen Whetstone (Randy) of Woodville, MS, Daniel Fudge (Jessica) of Skiatook, OK, Phillip McKnight (April) of Jackson, LA, Brandin Walker (Scott) of Clinton, LA, Jacob McKnight of Clinton, LA, Caroline McKnight of St Francisville, LA, Caleb Bryant, of Chattanooga, TN, Jordan Bryant, of Knoxville, TN, Luke Bryant, of Johnson City, TN, James Francis "Trey" Hunt III, Caroline, and Charles Rist Hunt of Clinton; great-grandchildren Cassie (Tyler), Carley and Cole Fudge, Joe Hunt and Hayden Duhon, Blakelee Whetstone, Jackson and Brooks Fudge, TJ (Holly), Trevor (Brooke), and Ava Fulmer, Deuce and Hunter McKnight, Tatum, Piper, and Andrew Walker, Briggs, and McCaul McKnight, and Nico Bryant; great-great-grandchildren Forrest, Paislynn, and Amelia Fulmer; sister, Nancy Covington, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius Max and Mary McQuirter Hunt; his daughters, Anita Hunt McKnight and Infant Jennifer Lynn Hunt; and his siblings Julius and David Hunt of Clinton and Maxine Simpson of Clinton, MS
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Clinton, 12329 Jackson Street, Clinton, LA 70722. A second visitation will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services to follow. Burial at Springhill Cemetery.
Pallbearers: aforementioned grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers: Scott Walker, Randy Whetstone, Jason Hooge, Charlie Hale, and aforementioned great grandsons.