Jerry Dean Hunt

Jerry was born on Sept. 17, 1948, in Harlingen, Texas. He was one of seven siblings, including his twin brother, Terry Gene, born to Arthur Hamer and Pattie Lou Hunt.

Growing up, Jerry faced many hardships, including homelessness. He and his siblings were rarely all together. He was constantly moved around, mostly in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. He remembered attending 32 elementary schools and three high schools. His sister Brenda (Tony) Olivier cared for him most of the time and his oldest brother Charles (Mary Ann) also lovingly took him into their home. Jerry was able to complete his senior year at Clay High School. He loved his time at Clay and felt humbled to be selected as a commencement speaker for the graduation ceremony. He attended Indiana University South Bend for a short time and later took business courses at Lake Michigan College.

Because of his diverse upbringing he was dedicated to helping others any way that he could. He especially desired to help the city of Benton Harbor; serving on several committees, helping to get the Soap Box Derby operating on Empire Hill, serving on the board of the State Theater International Performing Arts Center (a program that aspired to help the youth of Benton Harbor), he supported the Boys & Girls Club, sponsored many Blossomtime contestants, and supported many other youth-oriented programs. He appreciated the veterans and all serving in the military and was a supporter of Lest We Forget.

Jerry was a member of Stevensville United Methodist Church where he loved being a part of the choir. He was also a member of the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge 437. He was a born salesman, as a youngster he sold donuts door to door. After high school, he sold Miracle Maid Cookware. He went on to sell motorcycles, becoming the manager of Trophy Motors in Benton Harbor. During that time, he also raced motocross at Red Bud Trail with many of his customers. He later went on to sell vehicles at Doran Datsun, Henry's Toyota, and Southtown AMC Jeep. He also sold field sprinkler systems for Michigan Orchard Supply.

On Dec. 29, 1973, he married Sheryl "Sherry" Warmolts. Together they raised four wonderful children: Jennifer, Jared, Emily and Ronald. In November 1978, they moved to South Padre Island, Texas, where they bought The Tradewinds Bar and Grill. During this time, they also helped with a group protecting the nests of Atlantic Sea Ridley Turtles. In June of 1979, the oil spill at Mexico's Bay of Campeche began to cover the beaches. In September of 1979, they decided to move back to Michigan. In 1982, he opened the first Jerry Hunts Auto Center at 2861 S. M-139. Over the years, he had several different locations including the old Starlite Drive-In, Hartford, 4 on Main Street in Benton Harbor, and finally at 1283 M-139.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sherry; children: Jenni (Jeff) Nitz, Jared, Emily (Kurt) Schlager and Ronnie (Tabitha); grandchildren: Jana, Alyssa, Stephen and MacKenzie Bush, Tea (Joseph) Llano, Mercedes and Lance Schlager and DeLaney Hunt; brother, Tommie; sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Hunt, Kay Hunt, JoAnne LoRocco, Mary Douthett and Nancy Warmolts; brother-in-law, Jim Warmolts; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Lucy.

He was preceded in death by his brothers: Charles, Billy, Terry, Leon; sister, Brenda Olivier; brothers-in-law: Anthony Olivier and Roger Warmolts; sisters-in-law: Patsy Hunt and Kathy Hunt; nieces: Kathy Sulentic, Sheila Olivier, Kim Haughee, Jamie Carter, Shannon Hunt; nephews: Anthony Olivier Jr., Barry Elliott, Paul Haughee and Keith Carter.

Donations in Jerry's memory can be made to Stevensville United Methodist Church or St. Joseph Masonic Lodge 437, or the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan

A celebration of life service will be Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Road, Stevensville with the Rev. Elise Low-Edwardson officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Masonic Rites will be conducted by St. Joseph Masonic Lodge #437 at 11:30 a.m. with Jerry's celebration of life to follow Masonic Rites. Those wishing to sign Jerry's memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.