01/24/2026
James "Jim" L. Hunt
James Lee Hunt, 83, of Monticello, passed away peacefully at home on January 22, 2026. He was born on October 23, 1942, in Miami County and was the eldest son of Byron Lee and Ruth Alice Hunt. After graduating from Converse High School, he pursued a degree in Animal Science at Purdue University.
During his time at Purdue, Jim enjoyed playing the tuba in the band and became a lifelong fan of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Most importantly, he married the love of his life, Judith (Stites) Hunt, while at Purdue.
After graduating, Jim and Judy moved several times as they started their family and Jim worked for the Agrico Chemical Company. In 1978, the family settled on their farm near Monticello, and Jim managed and co-owned Monticello Farm Service (where he also served as Judy’s boss) until 2007.
Jim was a dedicated member of Monticello United Methodist Church for 48 years. During his time there, he served three terms as a trustee and was often seen spreading fertilizer and spraying for weeds in the churchyard. He also participated in the weekly men’s Emmaus Bible study.
In addition to his church involvement, Jim was a member of Rotary for 41 years and could frequently be found ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during the holiday season. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, and working on his farm and woods.
Jim dedicated his entire life to his love of family, creating countless joyful memories along the way. He cherished snowmobiling with his family and friends in the North Woods of Wisconsin for many years, and he took great pleasure in attending the various activities his grandchildren participated in, including tennis, swimming, volleyball, basketball, theater, and band. However, his fondest memories were made with family at Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee, a special place he and Judy visited for many years before building a log home there 26 years ago.
Jim leaves behind a family that will forever hold him close in their hearts. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, love of the outdoors, and, above all, his devotion to family, faith, community service, and church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judith Hunt; his children, Jaylen Lee Hunt (Julie) and Jamie Louise Yoder (Steve); his grandchildren, Kahner Lee Hunt (Tiffany), Kassie Anne Hunt (Casey), Levi Nazar Yoder, and Josiah James Dale Yoder; his bonus grandchildren, Bailie Novack (Will), and Sydney McCall (Carson); his great-grandchildren, Landon James Tan and Kason DeForrest Smith; and his siblings, Noel Hunt (Marsha), Alan Hunt (Karen), Benji Hunt, and Janet Knight (Dave), along with numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Byron Lee and Ruth Alice Hunt, and his brother, Ted Hunt.
Visitation be on Tuesday, January 27, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST) at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home, and also one hour prior to the 10:30 am service on Wednesday at the Monticello United Methodist Church with Rev. Justin Cason officiating
Burial will follow in Riverview I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Monticello.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Monticello United Methodist Church or the Monticello Rotary Club with memo: Polio Plus.
Friends and family are encouraged to share a photo, a memory, or messages of condolence at www.springervoorhisdraper.com
Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello is entrusted with care.
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