Jim Hunt

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Jimmie "Jim" M. Hunt, beloved husband, father, and papa, passed away on November 14, 2024 at the Solace Hospice House, Joplin, MO.

Jim was born in Carthage, MO to Howitt "Bud" and Charlyne Hunt (Staats) on December 24, 1939. He graduated High School in Joplin, MO.

Jim married Sandy Wakefield in Carthage, MO on June 3, 1960. Together they had 3 children.

After starting a family, Jim decided he wanted to have a career in teaching. He attended Joplin Jr College (now known as MSSU) Joplin, MO before transferring August 1965 to Kansas Teachers College (now Known as PSU) Pittsburg, KS.

Jim graduated in 1967 with a History Major and Geography Minor. In 1970, he received his Masters Degree.

Jim and Sandy, along with their 3 children, moved to Riverton, KS in 1969 where he began his teaching career at Riverton High School that lasted 28 years until his retirement.

In 1997, Jim and Sandy moved to Branson, MO. Jim worked for many years at Silver Dollar City. He was always happy when a former student would come across his path.

Jim was an active member of the Friendly Baptist Church, Branson, MO for 20 years until moving to Joplin, MO 3 years ago due to declining health.

Jim enjoyed traveling with his RV, reading, humming along to music, and playing Skipbo with his friends and family. He most enjoyed visits from his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife Sandy of 64 years; his 3 children, Jeff Hunt (Tina) Riverton, KS, Kellie Boyes (Scott) Galena, KS, and Lori Gipson (and the late, Jimmy) Riverton, KS; nine-grandchildren, Andrew Boyes (Desire) Galena, KS, Austin Boyes (Kayleigh) Galena, KS Robert Hunt (Mary) Colorado Springs, CO, Ethan Boyes (Lacey) Riverton, KS, Emily Beets (Paul) Riverton, KS, Julia Malley (Jeff) Ventura, CA, Kaitlyn Gipson (Lane) Riverton, KS, Madisyn Winesburg (Griffin) Clinton, MO, and Matthew Gipson Riverton, KS; 13 great-grandchildren, Eric (Kalynne), Gavin, Rachel, Paige, Colton, Warren, Mason, Sylas, Allison, Oakley, Sadie, Emma, and Thomas; along with 2 nieces, Lisa and Kim.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sandra Huckins; son-in-law, Jimmy Gipson; and two nieces Christy and Shelley.

Jim has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home for cremation. The family will host a private memorial service at a later date.

The family would like to thank Phoenix Home Health and Hospice Care of Joplin, MO for the utmost care they provided for our Papa Jim. Along with the Solace Hospice House of Joplin, MO. We could not have asked for a more caring and peaceful last days for our loved one.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.