James “Jim” Leon Hunter passed away on July 15, 2024, at Presbyterian Manor at the age of 80. Jim was born on April 17, 1944, in St. Louis to the late Homer Sutton, Jr. and Celestine ( McGuire) Sutton. After graduating from Crystal City High School, Jim went to Southeast Missouri State University. Before finishing college, he enlisted in the US Marines, later finishing his degree at SEMO. He taught school for two years at Cape Central and then devoted the rest of his career to sales. He retired from Mineral Area Monument Company in 2011.
Jim is survived by his wife and loving caregiver Carol ( Monie) Francis Hunter, two children, Kevin Hunter and Lori Lawson, and two stepsons, Mark Francis and Rodney Francis.
Jim had many hobbies that he loved, from hit-and-miss engines to vintage cars, Cushman scooters, American Flyer trains and tether cars. There is a common theme through all of this. He loved to take old things and make them new again. His work was immaculate. John Deere never had a tractor that looked better coming out of their factory than it did coming out of Jim’s garage. The same can be said of anything he chose to restore. Jim and Carol had many memorable road trips around the country while chasing the next project. Many have helped or watched or brought new projects to him, and good friends were made along the way. One of the joys of visiting Jim and Carol was a trip to Jim's shop to look over the many projects in various stages of completion. Jim had such a passion for all of his projects. Even when his hands were failing him he would find a way to get things done, from finding a creative use of a tool, help from a friend or teaching Carol how to install a new carburetor.
One of his favorites was a 1936 Olds vintage dirt race track car. He had watched this one race when he was in college and was thrilled to find it years later and restore it. It was probably driven in more parades than races, but Jim and Carol really enjoyed it.
Jim and Carol had a very loving relationship. He would often tease about her being "City Hall"; because she usually got her way. One of Jim's favorite pastimes was lovingly teasing Carol.
Jim received awards for the work that he put into his farm and cattle. He utilized some of the latest methods of intensive grazing and automatic waterers to create a well-managed cattle operation. Great memories with Jim include time at the cabin on the lake, risking our lives in a 1950's Chris Craft that wasn't floating well, helping in the shop, Sunday drives in one of the classic cars and his pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving or any other time of the year.
As a family, we will be forever grateful for the great love he showed to Carol. He was never shy about expressing that love and caring for her. Jim will be fondly remembered and forever missed by family and those who knew him.
Services for Jim are visitation at Cozean Memorial Chapel, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. and visitation resumes from 9-10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Farmington, with the funeral service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, officiated by Reverend Greg Robinson. Jim will be laid to rest at Antioch Cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Antioch Cemetery, 1408 Madison 426, Fredericktown, MO 63645 or First Baptist Church Shoebox Ministry, 210 North A Street, Farmington, MO 63640. View the video tribute and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.
