James L. (Jim) Hunt

 

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 and 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 and field and volleyball. His proudest moments while coaching were coaching the 1992 Class A Sectional champion in track and field and coaching three state champions in track and 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.

 

Mr. Hunt was a member of Pleasant Dale Church in Girard for most of his life.

 

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, Marcia Hunt of Broadlands, VA; stepsons, Joe Yakle of Chicago, IL, Josh Yakle of Chatham, IL; three granddaughters; two grandsons; two great grandsons; three step-grandchildren; special daughter, Carmen Goodwin-Anderson of Tuscola, IL; brother, Don Hunt of Palmyra, IL; sisters, Becky (Bob) Robbins of Springfield, IL, Lisa (Tim) Guinan of Girard, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

 

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.

 

Visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory.