James William Hunt

James William Hunt (Jim) was born April 13th, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to James E. and Myrtle P. Hunt. He died May 2, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, after suffering several years from lung problems. Two family members stayed by his side up to the very end.
Jim was raised in Mexican Hat, Utah. His parents owned the San Juan Trading Post, cafe, motel and Canyon Country Scenic Tours. Because of that great opportunity, Jim enjoyed a tremendous childhood running along the red cliffs, swimming in the San Juan River, catching dozens of catfish, hunting rabbits and maintaining a trap line. His parents taught him and his brother to treasure the land and all of its offerings. Jim was a quick learner. He helped his dad with the businesses, especially taking tourists on trips through Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, Cedar Mesa, Bears Ears and Lake Powell. Due to his dad’s involvement with tours and tourism, Jim got to meet many movie stars and other celebrities. He was never really impressed.
Of all the childhood adventures he experienced and talents he held; fishing was his true love. He would drop absolutely everything else just to throw a line in the water.
Jim was born with a natural ability to play musical instruments (mainly from ear) and he could sing. He had a beautiful singing voice. His loved ones encouraged him to pursue those talents but he wasn’t interested.
Jim loved his parents, especially his dad. He wanted to learn everything about fishing, four-wheel driving, hunting, trapping and exploring San Juan County that he could. His dad taught him well.
Jim’s dad died when Jim was only 17 years old. It was a devastating blow to Jim and affected him greatly from then on.
Fulfilling his dying father’s request; Jim joined the United States Air Force. But due to some medical issues he was unable to complete basic training. It always bothered him.
Jim married Londa Barnett in 1974. To that marriage came three children (Angila, Jeffrey and Randy).
Jim was a hard worker but a wanderer. Staying settled in one place for very long wasn’t his way. He and Londa moved from place to place within the four corners area, mainly working at Trading Posts on the Navajo Reservation.
Later on, while living back in Mexican Hat, he met and married Marilyn Singer. Marilyn brought her son Anthony into that marriage. They also had three children of their own (Allen, Jay Jay and Sunshine).
As years went by, Jim held jobs in many trades and areas. He even drove large trucks and operated heavy equipment. Many of his bosses have said Jim was a great worker but his wandering caused him to seek other employment quite often.
He married his third wife Evelyn (Evie) Ben, after meeting her while working for a road construction company out of Salt Lake City. Evie brought two children into that marriage (Jervis and Jurea).
Jim loved all of his children dearly.
Jim worked for the Utah Department of Transportation for several years. While with UDOT, he injured his back and was never able to do a lot of work from that point forward.
After settling down full time in Blanding, Jim got to babysit often. He loved watching after his grandchildren/great grandchildren that lived near him. He spent many hours tending them and teaching them things (fishing, of course)!
During the past two years of ill-health, Jim has loved his “best friend” Paco, his energetic little Chihuahua. Paco will certainly miss being pampered by him.
Jim is survived by his soulmate Evie, his brother Jeff (Suzanne), his children Anthony (Arlinda) Singer, Angila (Richard) Baker, Allen (Olivia) Hunt, Jeffrey (Crystal) Hunt, Randy (Amanda) Hunt, Jay Jay (Treash) Hunt, Jervis (Phina Benally) Ben, Jurea Ben, his daughter Sunshine (Brandon) Tsosie; 21 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Also many cousins.
He is proceeded in death by his grandparents, parents and his sister Rebecca.
No funeral is planned. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, cards or gifts, please consider donating to your favorite fish hatchery in his honor.