Jim Hunnewell

WILLIAM JAMES “JIM” HUNNEWELL, 92

Jim passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 with his loving wife of 67 years and his dog Tucker beside him.

Born on September 1, 1933, to William and Ida Hunnewell in Kalispell, Jim grew up in Olney. He served in the Army, worked on the railroad, and later spent 35 years at the Aluminum Plant in Columbia Falls. To help support his family, Jim took on many odd jobs over the years, including tar roofing, electrical work for friends and family, woodworking, and just about anything else that needed to be done. He learned electrical wiring at around 13 years old by watching electricians wire his family’s home. Jim also helped build the first church in Olney and truly was a jack of all trades.

Jim was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors, never expecting anything in return.

Aside from his family, his greatest joy was serving as a volunteer firefighter for 20 years. It was his pride and joy. He especially enjoyed the monthly breakfasts at the fire hall, where he could visit with both the new staff and fellow retirees.

Jim loved elk hunting in the Bob Marshall every September, something he looked forward to each year until he was no longer able to make the trip. He also loved camping with family and friends and cherished watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in sports and music events.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jay; three sisters; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Jim survived by his wife of 67 years, Marcia; his daughter, Vanice Woodbeck; his son, Gary (Kathy) Hunnewell; three grandchildren, Stephanie (James) Johnson, Aaron (Abbey) Woodbeck, and Haley (Keith) Diringer; and three great-grandchildren, Jay Rohde, Bain Johnson, and Collins Diringer. Also survived by his sister Elsie (Keith) Kastner, sister-in-law Carla Corbally, brother-in-law Jim Rounds and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Park Side Credit Union for the 9/11 Memorial at the Fire Department, a cause that was very important to Jim.

A memorial service will be held on July 17, 2026, at 2 p.m., at The Foundry Church, Church of the Nazarene 1125 7th Street East in Whitefish.

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