James Frank Hunt

James Frank Hunt, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, was born March 3, 1935 in Odessa, Texas to Dr. William Anthony and Pauline Hunt. He passed away December 12, 2016.

Frank graduated from Big Spring High School in 1953. After graduation he enrolled in the University of Texas history department and received his bachelor’s degree. Considering his family’s commitment to education, with his grandfather founding McMurry College, his father serving as president of Howard College, and his mother teaching elementary school, it was not surprising Frank turned down acceptance to the University of Texas Law School to devote his own life to education. Frank stated, “I had been approved for the UT Law School with the idea I wanted to be a lawyer. When I walked up to the door of the Law School, I was overwhelmed with the realization that I didn’t want to be a lawyer but a teacher.”

He wed Tommie Jo Williamson in 1957 and served six and a half years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He begin teaching fifth, seventh, and eight grade Math and History at San Marcos Baptist Academy while obtaining a master’s degree from Southwest Texas University. Then, he taught at Howard and Odessa Colleges before moving to Levelland in 1961. He served as director of the evening college, teacher of history and philosophy, and track coach. In 1965, Frank was appointed director of special services, serving two years in that capacity. In 1967, Frank was named Dean of SPC’s new Technical-Occupational-Vocational Division. For the next 28 years, Frank worked to make a difference in students’ lives by utilizing his leadership and innovative abilities to develop new technical programs that would provide lifelong learning pathways. Carolyn Rollwitz, his secretary for 15 years, praised his work at SPC. “Dean Hunt is one of the most caring, compassionate, honest, knowledgeable and people-oriented persons I have ever worked for.”

After retiring in June of 1995, Frank and Tommie moved to Possum Kingdom Lake where they have enjoyed fishing and visits from family and friends.

Frank was a lifelong Methodist, he was a member of the First United Church in Levelland and Graham Texas. Being a natural teacher with a magnificent deep soothing voice, he allowed God to work through him as he served as the youth Sunday school teacher in Levelland. His children are blessed with the memories of his spiritual guidance during this time of their lives. He was often asked to be a part of the worship service by reading scripture and serving as narrator for the Christmas Story. One of the members of the Graham church would joke with him by calling him GOD. He talked about how he would close his eyes while listening to Frank in church and he felt GOD was speaking. His passing leaves all of us with that empty feeling of loss but with wonderful memories of such a special man. We see his big smile, hear his happy laughter, feel his motivating spirit, and recall the personal sincerity he always bestowed on every person he knew or stranger he met. The respect and love his family had for him was immeasurable.

Frank and Tommie have three children, Tony and wife Janet Hunt, Heidi and husband Robbie Blair, Holly and husband Mark Roberts. They have six grandchildren, Evan Hunt, Parker and wife Emily Hunt, Meredith and husband Todd Grierson, Jake Blair, Tara Blair, AnnaLee and Husband Trey Fruehling. They have two great grandchildren, Owen Grierson, Isla Fruehling.

Memorials can be made in Frank’s memory to Hunt Technical Scholarship at South Plains College, Hospice, or any church or charity of your choice.

A celebration of life service will be held at the First Methodist Church in Levelland, Texas.