James G Hunt

James G Hunt, age 75 of Bloomington, MN, passed away on February 2, 2025 at Methodist Hospital after a long battle with chronic heart disease surrounded by his family. He showed great perseverance and courage, with a positive attitude and sense of humor throughout his many health issues. His resilience was remarkable no matter what was thrown his way.

Jim was born in Estherville Iowa on November 11, 1950 to Clifford and Cleova Hunt. He grew up enjoying the Lake Okoboji area, and was active in golf, football and skiing.

After graduation from Estherville High School in 1968, he served in the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Turkey and Italy under the direction of the NSA.

He attended the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, graduating with a B.S. in Business. While in school, he was a ski instructor at the former Snowcrest Ski Area. Later he pursued an MBA with the University of St. Thomas.

His finance career began with First Bank System (now U.S. Bank) where he met Cynthia, the love of his life. He held several other positions in the financial services industry. After retiring, he worked for ten years as a school bus driver for the Bloomington School District. He often said this was his favorite role due to the many meaningful interactions with the students.

Over the years he volunteered in many capacities, whether it be for his children's sports teams, golf and ski instruction, school classroom activities, or fundraising. He was one of the founding members of the Bloomington Athletic Association golf program, managing it for a number of years, later inducted into the BAA Hall of Fame.

Family was important to Jim, enjoying many family vacations, school events and sports activities. Perhaps his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren including special vacations, helping them with their golf swing, reading and listening to music or just having fun. They were the key to his positive outlook and resilience through many hospitalizations.

Jim was preceded in death by parents Clifford and Cleova Hunt and sister Jean Reinking. He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Johnson) of 44 years, children James Brian Hunt (Emily) of Bloomington and Christine Soliday (Timothy) of Lakeville, grandchildren Brielle, Mason, Graham, Quinn and granddog Jax, as well as sisters Michele Barnes and Jodi Maddocks, and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the Park Nicollet Home Care professionals, the Nephrology team and the Palliative Care group. With God's help, it was a total team effort to help him maintain a meaningful life while he was in and out of Methodist Hospital and the MN Masonic Home Transitional Care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Park Nicollet Foundation (Heart & Vascular Center), Bloomington Covenant Church or Covenant Pines Ministries.

Visitation will be held at 10AM on Monday, February 23 at Bloomington Covenant Church - 10150 Xerxes Avenue South, Bloomington, MN. A memorial service will be held at 11AM. A private interment will be in the afternoon at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

We will miss the special wink and twinkle in his eyes.