James Charles Hunn

James Charles Hunn was born on August 4, 1946, in Salt Lake City, UT the son of Spencer
Simmons Hunn & Mary Gillespie; he was the middle child with Joe, his older brother, and Rose
his younger sister. He attended 3 different High Schools, went to Utah State and played football
for one year, then entered West Point on July 1, 1966 with the Class of 1970.
At West Point, Jim excelled in sports and academics and was respected and recognized by his
classmates for his leadership. Following graduation in June 1970, Jim completed the Infantry
Officers’ Basic Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School before his assignment as an
Infantry Platoon Leader with the 82nd Airborne Division in January 1971 at Fort Bragg, NC. He
served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam as an Infantry Platoon Leader in 1971-1972.
The Army of that period reflected a turbulent decade of social unrest and a growing anti-war
movement, with resulting challenges in overall morale and discipline. Some called it a Platoon
Leader’s wWar, and in that role, Jim demonstrated moral, physical, and tactically sound
leadership, taking care of his soldiers, mostly draftees, while accomplishing the mission. On
Christmas Eve 1971, on a stand-down amongst tens of thousands of GI’s on the way to Bob
Hope’s Christmas show at Camp Eagle, he ran into a few other friends and classmates and
celebrated their good fortune to be together alive and well. He remembered that Christmas Eve,
and those feelings, for years to come. He continues to stay in touch with special friends from the
Army and West Point.
Jim returned with his Brigade to Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he served as a Company
Executive Officer, and then earned a Master of Business Administration from Brigham Young
University.
While at BYU, he met and married the love of his life, Martha Porter from Hurricane, Utah. Jim
called Martha his “north star,” his great friend, companion, and sweetheart – “the best
decision of his life.”
While married and growing his family of six, Jim held a succession of command and staff
assignments which included teaching at West Point, attending the Naval War College, a tour in
Germany, and serving in Fort Lewis, WA before retiring in 1991. After retirement from the
Army, he went on to enjoy success as a general contractor for 12 years, building in Washington,
Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. He then built an Essential Services Marketing business with family
members and enjoyed success there. With his continued leadership their family earned Senior
Vice President and helped others succeed.
Jim and Martha created an active, loving home in both the United States and in Europe. Jim
loved, taught, coached, and thoroughly enjoyed his six “hard-charging” children: Megan, Jessica,
Spencer, Sara, Rachel and Jackie. Of all his adventures, successes, and life experiences, he
clearly loved best the roles, Husband, Dad and Grandpa.
Sharing the Gospel and being an example of the Savior was one of Jim’s best qualities.
Throughout his life he served in many roles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As a Priesthood holder, doing the Lord’s will came first. He served as Bishopric Counselors, a
Bishop, Stake Executive Secretary and Stake High Counselor several times, Primary teacher (as
the best paper airplane creator), and Sunday School teacher. His favorite calling was teaching
Gospel Doctrine class. He was always up for a Gospel discussion. Jim loves the Doctrine of the
Savior and enjoyed a lifetime of study and application. Sharing his testimony by words and
example, Jim has blessed many people’s lives. Jim was always generous with his time to his
family, friends, and church members whenever he was aware of a need.
The Nation, family, and many friends have been blessed by the life of James Charles Hunn; he
lived his life with courage, dignity, and strength. His whole life emulated the West Point Class
of ’70’s Motto: Serve with Integrity. Jim loved the Quote and West Point Motto: Duty, Honor,
Country.
Jim passed away peacefully, July 31, 2023, in the company of his wife and two daughters.