Obituary of James J. Hunt

. James J. Hunt, 74, of Peabody, died early Sunday morning at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Joan (Murtagh) Hunt with whom he shared over 46 years of marriage. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late Edward and Hanora (Dunn) Hunt. He was a life long resident of Peabody, attended St. John’s Grammar School and was a graduate of Peabody Vocational High School in 1954. After high school, Jim had served with the United States Navy Reserves in the submarine division for eight years. He later attended Wentworth Institute in Boston and then, received his teaching certificate from Fitchburg State College. He first worked as an electrician for Cotoia Electric in Beverly, then taught at Chelsea High School as an Electrical Teacher, and finally before retiring in 2006, he worked as an electrician in the maintenance department at Salem State College. James was a member of the Knights Riders Car Club, the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council 508 in Peabody, the AOH Division 18 in Salem and the St. John Holy Name Society. He enjoyed his Antique Cars and bowling in the K of C Bowling League and the AOH couples bowling league. Jim was a home body who loved to work in his vegetable garden, and was a skilled electrician and carpenter. He loved family and friends and was a great host who was considered witty and lovable and was the handyman of the neighborhood with his little black bag. He was unique in many ways and will be greatly missed. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Sharon Hunt of Swampscott, Sheila Ryan and her husband David and their children, Kaleigh, Patrick, and Ian, and JoAnne Roden and her husband John, and Christopher Hunt, all of Peabody, his siblings, Fred Hunt and his wife Mary of Epping, NH, Ann Dunne and her husband John “Jay” of Salem, his brother-in-law, John M. Murtagh and his wife Carol, of Peabody, and is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday September 1, 2010 at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 CHURCH St., Peabody followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St, Danvers, MA 01923 or a charity of one’s choice.