James W. "Jim" Hunter

James 'Jim' Hunter Obituary "The most important thing in the world is family and love." - John Wooden.
Our family is heartbroken to share that James William Hunter passed away peacefully May 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on April 19, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts to the late James Thadeus and Emma Evelyn (Crick) Hunter where his father was stationed in the military.
His education was always a priority which began as he graduated in 1960 from Ashland High School. He then became an Ivy League man at Princeton University where he studied Literature and graduated in 1964. He obtained his Masters degree in School Administration from The Ohio State University in 1972 further cementing his love and pride for the Buckeyes.
He moved to Shelby, Ohio in 1964 and began his 33-year teaching career as the most entertaining English teacher to thousands of students. In addition to his day job, he had the pride of being The Voice of the Shelby Whippets football team for over 40 years, continuing even after retirement.
A thespian of local theater, beginning with the Blackfork Players, Jim continued to appear on stage well into his late 60s. He wanted to share his love of the stage so much that he became the Director of Whippet Theater at Shelby High School where he created an environment for students to find their voice, their people and their own true selves.
During his summers off from teaching in the late 90s, he and his wife Louise began working at Camp Mowana in Mansfield, Ohio with their 3 daughters. He quickly fell in love with the beauty of camp and even more importantly the people. The Hunters found a second home and family at Camp.
After retirement, Jim became involved in local politics being a Councilman and culminating in serving as Mayor of Shelby from 2002-2005. His love for his community helped him to create positive change and included a special bonus of officiating weddings for many couples as well.
He was the best husband to Louise and an amazing father to Jennifer Hunter (Mason Boor), Wendy Gunder (Brian) and Jaime Lami (Mohsen). But he was truly a phenomenal Papaw to his grandchildren Day Hunter, Sydney Gunder and Hunter and Emery Lami.
Whether he was telling a story, a pun, a joke or a recipe, he was always entertaining those around him.
We are so lucky to have had such a beautiful example of someone who loves his wife unconditionally. For over 56 years he showed us how you navigate the good, the bad and everything in between. He and Louise eloped in Columbus, Ohio on December 21,1968. They then had their 3 beautiful girls and made Shelby their home.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Hunter; sister, Janet (Hunter) Mulvey; and his grandson, Brody Gunder. They all welcomed him to heaven on Thursday morning.
There is an empty seat at our table now, but we will never stop telling his stories and we will never stop loving him. He is truly unforgettable.
Rest easy Jim. We know we will see you again.
Friends may visit the family, Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church at 33 Broadway Ave in Shelby. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1:00 PM with Reverend Dr. Russel Yoak officiating.
We ask that our friends and family and all who loved him wear Scarlet and Gray to show the love that he had for The Ohio State Buckeyes and the community of Shelby.
In place of flowers, donations in Jim's honor may be made to the Shelby City School's in care of the Whippet Theater Program at 109 W. Smiley Ave in Shelby.
Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory has been honored to assist the family with arrangements.
Services
Visitation
Saturday
May 31, 2025
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
First Lutheran Church (Shelby)
33 Broadway St.
Shelby, OH 44875
Memorial Service
Saturday
May 31, 2025
1:00 PM
First Lutheran Church (Shelby)
33 Broadway St.
Shelby, OH 44875 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.