James O. Hunter Jr. passed away on March 10, 2024, surrounded by family at the Israel Hospice House in Ames.

James Hunter was born on June 29th, 1944, in Bethany Missouri to James O Hunter Sr and Stella Burton. He was the 2nd out of four children in the family. The family settled in the Nevada area in 1953. Where James attended school and helped his mother working at the West Cafe.

He married Joyce Mann on July 8th, 1961. He owned Hunter's Amoco station in Ames from 1970 – 1973 until Amoco closed the station. James then worked at Sauer – Danfoss (Sunstrand) from 1973 until his retirement in 2008.

James Hunter loved his family and believed in working hard to achieve your life goals and making things happen vs letting fate steer you. Faith, Honesty, and integrity were huge to James, and he lived everyday with those principals in mind. James always lived his life the way he wanted to live it, from the beginning to the very end.

James had a tough exterior, and you always knew where he stood. He liked to joke and tease with friends. If James enjoyed your company, you would see the softest, kindest, and loving side that few got to see.

He loved spending time with his family telling stories and giving advice. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time at his acreage, taking care of his horses and sheep and goats, spending time at the Sale Barn or horse shows and talking and working on old cars and trucks.

After his retirement he could often be seen driving his truck around town and occasionally stopping at Good and Quick or parking lots to watch traffic and grab a nap.

James is survived by his wife, Joyce of Nevada; his children, James O. "Bo" II (Dana) Hunter of Burlington, Marcy (Dan) Montgomery of Nevada and John (Tami) Hunter of St. Anthony; his grandchildren: Craig, Nicole, Kelsey, Rachael, Cale, Tressa, and Bailey; his great-grandchildren: Keaton, Kree, Jack, and Opal; and his brother, John (Nancy) Hunter of Fernald. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Hunter; his sister, Dixie Hein; and a grandson, Joshua.

The visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. A graveside service will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery (1026 1st Street) in Nevada with Pastor David Burling officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Israel Family Hospice House in memory of James.

James Hunter touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed by everyone he knew.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.