James L. (Jim) Hunt, 82, of Chatham, formerly of Girard and Tuscola, passed away on June 14, 2026 at his home.

Mr. Hunt was born January 29, 1944 and was the son of V. Glenn and E. Zada (Smith) Hunt. He attended Girard schools for 12 years. In high school, he participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track & field, as well as the Junior and Senior play. In 1962, he enrolled at Eastern Illinois University. He graduated in 1966 with a BS in Education with a major in mathematics.

Upon graduation, he taught Math in Tuscola for eight years. In 1974, he started a construction business with Don Chappell. He continued the construction business in Girard in 1979. Mr. Hunt returned to teaching in Girard in 1981.

While teaching in Girard, he coached track & field and volleyball. His proudest moments while coaching were coaching the 1992 Class A Sectional champion in track & field and coaching three state champions in track & field (Rich Roper 400m 1985, Mike Maddox discus 1993, and Matt Maddox shot and discus 1996 & 1997).

Mr. Hunt retired from teaching in 2005. After retirement, he was most proud of his work on an ad-hoc committee that promoted the consolidation of the schools of Girard and Virden. After consolidation, he served five years on the North Mac Public School Foundation Board.

In 2012 Leslie, his wife of 36 years, passed away. He married Su Wertschnig in 2014. He is survived by his wife Su, daughters Elisabeth Hunt of South Pasadena, CA; Tracy Rhoads of Reseda, CA; and Marcia Hunt of Broadlands, VA; stepsons Joe Yakle of Chicago, IL and Josh Yakle of Chatham, IL. Three granddaughters, two grandsons, two great grandsons, and three step-grandchildren survive. He is also survived by special daughter Carmen Goodwin-Anderson of Tuscola, IL; brother Don Hunt of Palmyra, IL, sister Becky (Bob) Robbins of Springfield, IL, and Lisa (Tim) Guinan of Girard, IL.

Mr. Hunt was a member of Pleasant Dale Church in Girard for most of his life. Davis Anderson Funeral Home in Girard is in charge of arrangements.

Cremation rights have been accorded. There will be a visitation at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 4:00 to 7:00 pm. There will be no funeral.

Memorials are suggested to Pleasant Dale Church or the North Mac Public School Foundation.