James (Jim) William Hunter, 77, died peacefully at home on July 26, 2022, after a lengthy battle with Salivary Gland Cancer. He was born on November 13, 1944, to William (Bill) Anderson and Milre Maxine (Goodrich) Hunter in Denver, Colorado.

He was a graduate of Westminster High School, Class of 1962. After High School, Jim graduated from Greely College and taught high school woodworking until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. In the Air Force he was a pilot and flew the B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer. He retired in 1989 after 20 years of service as Lieutenant Colonel. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Jim went on to have second career at United Airlines as a pilot instructor on the Boeing 747 and most recently the Boeing 777. He retired from United in 2020.

Jim was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He was a great man with a big heart and dedication to helping others. His hobby was his love of flying.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Linda S. (Hagberg) Hunter, Montrose, CO, daughter, L’Gena Shaffer (Rodney), Sharpsburg, GA., son, Jeffrey Hunter (Rachael), Mill Valley, CA, three grandchildren Brittney Williams, Longmont, CO, Lilly and James Raz Hunter, Mill Valley, CA. One brother-in-law, Jim Hagberg and wife Pat, Boulder County, CO, two sisters-in-law Vicki LaLone, husband Ray, Montrose, CO, Sandy Hagberg, Berthoud, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry Hunter.

He will be laid to rest August 11, 2022, with immediate family at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Friends will be received afterward at Walter’s 303 Pizzeria & Publik house Lowry | 200 Quebec St #109, Denver, CO 80230.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hope West Hospice (Montrose, CO) https://www.hopewestco.org/montrose/ or your local food bank.