James G. Hunter, M.D. passed away at age 64, on Saturday May 10, 2014 after a long illness. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years Cheryl, daughter Emily, grandson Hunter, brother, William J. Hunter Jr. and wife Jennifer, niece and nephews, Amy, Matthew, and Nathan.
Dr. Hunter was born October 14, 1949, in Champaign Ill., the son of William and Joan Hunter. He earned his MD from LSU Medical School and then entered active duty in the US Army. He completed his residency in adult psychiatry and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and was board certified in both. He had a varied and illustrious military career, serving in various clinical staff and academic positions both at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Frankfurt Germany. After leaving active duty he returned to service during Operation Desert Storm and served as Commander of a medical detachment responsible for the treatment of the psychiatric needs of the US forces stationed in the war zone. He earned numerous awards for his service and retired from active duty as a Colonel.
His civilian career was equally varied and successful. Dr. Hunter entered private practice of child, adolescent and adult psychiatry in 1988. He was the founder of Midwest Psychiatric Clinic, a multi-specialty outpatient clinic. He served as Medical Director of the Kansas Institute of Overland Park and Olathe and of the Menninger Psychiatric Units at Providence Medical Center. Dr. Hunter served as past President of the Greater Kansas City Regional Council in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and was a member of several pharmaceutical advisory boards and often lectured both locally and nationally on the latest advances in psychopharmacology.
Throughout his career both military and civilian, Dr. Hunter was passionate about delivering the highest quality psychiatric services to his patients. Despite a long and debilitating illness he was attending to his patients up until the day he passed away. He considered helping others to be his mission and he was faithful to that calling.
Dr. Hunter was a world traveler. He loved fishing, watching movies, discussing politics, and cheering LSU to victory. He converted to the Catholic Church later in life and was greatly influenced by the writings of Mother Theresa. He sought to be a source of blessing to others.
A funeral mass will take place at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1234 Kentucky St., Lawrence, Kansas on Tuesday, 3 June, 2014 at 2pm. The family will receive visitors at 1pm at the church. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date in Shreveport, LA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. John the Evangelist Church for care of the poor.
Dear Cheryl and Emily, please know how much I think about you two. When God tells us people cross paths in life for special meanings I know he meant you and Jim. I want you to know who much our relationship meant to me. It was more than just employee/employer. I know we will talk soon but if you ever need anything just call. I will miss “the colonel” and all his stories.
Always, Karen
Cheryl, Emily, Richard, Cindy, Pat and other family and friends,
Much belated very heartfelt condolences. What a beautiful obituary of a life well lived, though from our perspective ended far too soon. Jim’s compassion and godly love shown through in all his words, actions and facial expressions. I, too was born in Champaign-Urbana. I, too, greatly admire and am inspired by Mother Teresa. Jim, no doubt saw a glimpse of Jesus in “the distressing disguise of the poor.” God bless you all with comfort, peace, fond memories and calm assurance.
I am grateful for the life of Mr. Hunter. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Dear Cheryl,
We were heart broken when Judge Tracy told us
about Jim’s passing. He was a hoot and I will remember the years that we were neighbors in Silver Spring for a long time. There is no one
who was more caring about people than Jim.
May God’s peace and comfort be with you during this time. Our prayers are with you.
Cheryl – I feel so very lucky to have known Jim. He definitely made an unforgetable impact on my life. I used to wish that the 3 of us had met sooner — and Jim would always remind me that the time of our connecting was meant to be. When I think of him, I can not help but smile — so many conversations, so many stories. I promised him that I would be there for you…that we would be friends for a long time. And he would simply, but quite seriously, say “I know that”. Cheryl, I can not walk the road for you, but as I have told you, I will walk beside you. Always your friend, Viki