James M. Hunt

James (Jim) M. Hunt passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 22, 2024 in his home. Jim was born on April 5, 1947 to Alvin and Bertha (Louise) Hunt in Dodson and grew up in a ranch home near Vandalia until moving to Laurel in 1956. Jim graduated from Laurel High School in 1964 and went on to Eastern Montana College to earn a degree to become a teacher, following in his mother’s footsteps.

Jim taught in the Laurel School District for 41 years. He started his career at West Elementary School, where he taught 5th and 6th grade math, reading, art, and physical education. In 1985 he moved to the Laurel Middle School where he taught math and science until he retired in 2010. Over the course of his career, Jim was always finding ways to engage with students. He worked with students at West Elementary to form the “West School Caboose” school newspaper. Over the years he coached high school drama, the 7th grade football team, and helped organize the LMS food drive. By the end of his career, he was seeing many second (and even some third!) generation students and hardly a day went by without him running into a former student.

Jim married Carla Ramberg on December 14, 1985. They had three children and spent a lot of time going to band and choir concerts, sporting events, and plays. Jim’s life was marked by service and faith after he gave his life to Jesus. Jim was an active church member and volunteer, as well as a member of the Kiwanis Club for many years. In his retirement years, Jim could be seen in his “designated” seat in the Laurel High School gymnasium watching the boys and girls basketball games. He also loved acting as a greeter at church where he was known for being at the front door to greet everyone with a smile and an encouraging word on their way into church on Sunday mornings. He was also always helping with a bible study or other group to encourage and pray for others.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Louise, and his sisters, Margaret and Louise. He is survived by his wife, Carla, children Dustin, Ryan (Laura), and Renae, grandchildren Lazavia, Lena, and Woodson, and great granddaughter Samira. 

The family also would like to thank the nurses, CNAs, therapists, doctors, and staff at Riverstone Health Hospice, Billings Clinic, and Yellowstone River Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care of Jim. Your care and support helped us all more than you can ever realize.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 28. 2024 at Grace Bible Church located at 917 Washington Ave in Laurel.