Jim "Jay" Hunter, Jr.
July 22, 1943 ~ December 20, 2021
Jim “Jay” Hunter, 78, passed away December 20, 2021 in Wichita, KS. Survived by his beloved wife Trish (Callen) Hunter of 23 years; son Jamie (Liesel) of Lakewood, CO and grandchildren Max and Taia; siblings Dawn MacDonald, Holly Kirsch, Mary Gable, Denise (Ron) Behm. Also survived by nine nieces, one nephew, five great-nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. Predeceased by father and mother, James J., Sr. and Florence “Beau” Hunter; brother-in-law George D. Kirsch and nephew Mark Kirsch.
Jay cherished his family and loved creating and working on projects with Trish and Jamie. He especially loved spending time with his loving grandchildren. “Grampa Jay” would pour his heart into anything from cooking wonderful meals to fishing and making memories with the family.
Jay had a long career with Boeing/Spirit Aero Systems, retiring in 2008 as an NC Programming Lead. He was born on July 22, 1943 in Buffalo, NY. Following four years of service in the U.S. Navy, Jay received his B.S. in Math Education from Wichita State Univeristy and a masters in Health and Safety, then taught mathematics at Chatham Massachusetts High School, Corpus Christi Texas High School and Wichita Heights before starting his career at Boeing in NC Programming and Human Resources.
He was forever the creator/restorer of homes, building a home on Cape Cod, restoring a building to the National Register in Chatham, MA, remodeling and adding onto the Wichita home, and building his most treasured cabin in Lutsen, MN. He changed dreams into realities both for his son and wife through creating, maintaining and fixing just about anything. He also enjoyed traveling, reading and living life to the fullest.
He will be sorely missed and forever loved by so many for his warm heart, great sense of humor, kind hearted teasing, never-ending positive attitude, passion for helping others and strong work ethic. Celebration of Life will be held in the spring in Wichita and in the summer in Lutsen. A memorial has been established with one of his favorite charities: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
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Jim was such an amazing man, he had such an easy way about him. Always made complex things look simple, whether it was cooking a spectacular dinner adding on a loft/garage to his property or building a cabin in the woods. His love for Jamie and Trish was always in the forefront of his works and deeds! Will always remember those nighttime conversations with Jim watching the river pass by his home.
Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Jim for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy.
I first met Jim in 1967 when I was 17 yrs old. It was my first week at WSU and he was seated next to me in one of those large auditorium classes. He was 6 yrs older and it seemed an unlikely friendship. However, his engaging personality and his interest in all kinds of people, made it easy to become his friend. I learned he had 4 sisters, and I feel I became an unofficial 5th. We remained friends throughout moves to different states, marriages, and divorces. He was always available to lend a sympathetic ear, help problem solve an issue or share in good news. I will miss having him on earth with us, but I will always carry him in my heart.
He always had a charismatic smile that could light up a room. He told great stories that instantly drew us in, as children and adults at the Thanksgiving table every year. Love you all.