Deacon James Hunt passes away March 25

Deacon James Allyson Hunt of Hankinson passed away at his home surrounded by family March 25. Deacon Hunt was born Sept. 13, 1947 in Hallock, Minn., to Verne and Sarah (Baldwin) Hunt. He attended school in Humboldt, Minn. and Hallock, Minn., graduating in 1965. 
 
He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1966 and was stationed at Lakenheath Air Base in England, serving as a medic. He met the love of his life, Valeria, at an airmen’s club dance there, and they were married in 1970. Together they had eight children: six girls and two boys. 
 
Deacon Hunt worked in the agriculture and transportation industries throughout his life but later answered the calling he felt from a young age to serve the Lord. In his own words, he said it may have taken time to fulfill the calling, but it was orchestrated perfectly by God. He was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Fargo in 2006. This calling brought him great joy and many opportunities to put service into action beginning in 2012 when he served as chaplain at the Rosewood long-term care facility on Broadway in Fargo. He retired from Rosewood in 2021 and continued serving the Lord and parishioners of St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Hankinson for almost 20 years.  
 
Deacon Hunt taught his children about Jesus, to believe he hears our prayers, and to look to him first in good times and in trials, that God is good all the time. He lived that example fully. After his wife’s stroke in 2011, he set the best example for his children and grandchildren by his dedication and devotion to her and her care. 
 
He battled his own illness valiantly for several years with steadfast faith and trust in God’s perfect timing, saying he was ready whenever God decides. He touched countless lives as a Deacon and servant of the Lord. He is survived by his wife, Val, and his children. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Sean.
 
A Mass of Christian burial took place March 30 at the St. Francis Convent Chapel in Hankinson, with internment with military honors at Calvary Cemetery in Hankinson.