Date of death: 1/3/2016
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1966
James(Jim) Stocker Hunt passed unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Sunday evening January 3, 2016, working outdoors at Hunt Country, an activity he loved. His unfailing love for his late wife of 38 years, Cheryl Barbara Grotius Hunt, was apparent at all times, and their embrace upon his entrance into heaven must have been glorious! He is survived by his eight children: Yvette (Paul) Andrejczak, Erin Hunt (Tom) Ferguson, Frank (Jen) Hunt, Todd Hunt, Rachel Hunt, Adam (Brooke) Hunt, Alexis (Adam) Peak, Zachary Hunt; and 12 grandchildren with one on the way: Aaron Andrejczak, Micah Andrejczak, Ella Andrejczak, Samantha Andrejczak, Justin Ferguson, Jessica Ferguson, Josh Ferguson, Adaliene Ferguson, Olivia Hunt, Peyton Hunt, Kennedy Peak, David Peak; six brothers and sisters: Don Hunt, Lonnie (Darla) Hunt, Charlie Hunt, Mary (Hans) DeWitz (Hans), Elizabeth Meng, Terri (Vince) Virga; many dear cousins and a host of friends. We will miss him deeply. Jim was also predeceased by loving and wise parents, James Austin and Matilda Stocker Hunt. Jim began two years of high school studying priesthood, at St. Meinrad Seminary of Indiana but prayerfully changed courses, graduating from Reitz Memorial High School of Evansville, IN in 1958. In 1961 Jim was drafted into the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving until he was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1966. He qualified in rifle sharpshooting, earned his pilot’s license and recruiter certificate, and was a lifeguard on California’s Pacific Ocean. Upon his exit from the Marines, Jim joined Success Motivational Institute with Paul J. Meyer where he developed his sales abilities to make a name for himself and planned to become more successful, each and every day. He then joined his brothers, Don Hunt, Lonnie Hunt and Charlie Hunt to develop Pepe’s Pizza out of Nashville, TN. In 1974, Jim left Pepe’s to move his family to Gatlinburg, TN to hike in the mountains, write, reflect and grow closer to God. In 1976, Jim moved his family to Paris, Kentucky and founded Pizza Wholesale of Lexington, Inc., a wholesale food distribution company now serving 3600 customers in 16 states, with 160 team members. His core business principle was placing God first in all of his decisions, investing in people and duplicating best qualities in them. He loved his people, and wanted to help them have their best life. Jim, with his brothers, founded Hunt Brothers Pizza, the nationwide branded food concept, currently serving 7500 locations in 29 U.S. states and AAFES in Germany. He loved the outdoors and fresh air: hiking, cycling, walking and simply enjoying nature, especially sunshine on any beach. He had been practicing Hot Yoga for the last seven years, reflecting his passion for physical fitness and respect for his body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Jim was a true man of God, a gentleman and lived his life to the fullest. He shared the love of Christ, God’s Word and his wisdom with anyone and everyone he could. A large part of Jim’s life was spent speaking the gospel and praying with those that needed it most. He was a loving man, alive with passion that he shared with everyone he met, energizing those around him to be better than they knew they could be. His autobiography, From Dawn To Dusk, was gifted to his children to teach his philosophy of life. Traveling the world with his sweetie Cheryl was a passion of his; always enjoying the company of his children or his siblings and quality time comfortably by himself in reflection, reading, writing and exploring the world. He gave charitably without boundary to many missions God has ordained. In lieu of flower, donations can be made to The Hunt Family Charitable Fund, PO Box 175, Fund ID 730523, Lexington, KY 40588.