Jimmy Gail Hunt, 78, of Gordon, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024.
Jimmy was born in Ranger, Texas on June 30, 1946, to James Revis “J.R.” and Dovie Gailey Hunt. He grew up in Strawn and attended school there. During his senior year at Strawn, his football team won District, reviving a program that was to be cancelled the following year. He also excelled in track, competing at state that year. Upon graduating from Strawn in 1964, Jimmy attended Ranger Junior College on a track scholarship. He later transferred to Southwest Texas State Teaching College (now Texas State University) to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration.
While attending college, he met Judy Ellis through mutual friends and the two were married on September 9, 1967 in Waco, Texas. While Jimmy completed his bachelor’s program, they made their first home in an old converted army barracks that the University used as dormitory apartments.
After graduating college, the couple relocated to Strawn. He worked for Southern Airways near Mineral Wells followed by a stint at Lone Star Gas in Gordon before taking the Vice President position at the First National Bank of Gordon in 1981.
During their time in Strawn, they had their two children, son Shanon, and daughter Shelly.
Jimmy’s job with the bank would force him to relocate his family to Gordon in September of 1982. He continued to work for the bank in Gordon for over 35 years.
Jimmy was dedicated to serving his community. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was involved with the local Lions Club for many years. He served on the Strawn and Gordon City Council for many years, as well as the Gordon School Board. In later years, both Jimmy and Judy became active members of the Palo Pinto Cowboy Church near Santo. Jimmy loved his community and the people in it. His job at the bank allowed him to chat with virtually everyone in town, which was one of his favorite past times.
Jimmy had various hobbies over the years that he shared with his family including photography, fishing, carpentry, mechanics, and football. He was self-taught in many areas which allowed him to pick up side jobs, here and there, building cabinets, furniture, trailers, and even room additions. He instilled in his children the importance of a good work ethic and ingenuity.
It was also important to Jimmy that his family take yearly vacations, as it was something he was unable to do very often in childhood. These trips built lasting memories with immediate and extended family that continues to this day, as his children carryon this tradition.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife. He will be missed by his son Shanon and daughter-in-law Daphne of Stephenville, his daughter Shelly and son-in-law Eric of Austin, his grandchildren Ava and Riley, his sister-in-law Jana and brother-in-law Todd of Grapevine, and niece Andrea of Arlington.
A visitation with the family will be held Wednesday, July 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Strawn. Services will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Gordon with pastor Roger Keck officiating. A graveside will follow at the Old Gordon Cemetery.
