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James Kenneth Hunt

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Dec 1963 - August 2026

Jim (Jimmy), our youngest brother, passed away at Royal Columbian Hospital on August 29th at the young age of 62. He was surrounded by love and in spirit by the love of his life, Shannon, his three boys, and his five brothers and sisters. 

He was born in Maple Ridge and right from childhood he was a people person. In social situations he was quick to converse with new acquaintances sharing stories, confidences, and especially jokes. He loved a good joke and could easily pull off an appropriate one-liner (or inappropriate depending on the audience). His social skills served him well in his role as part-time line dance instructor and DJ where he was both competent and patient. 

During his long career in Warehouse Management, which began at Berryland, Jim's open personality resulted in a vast network of industry contacts. He never hesitated to call on the expertise of others in order to resolve situations as they arose. He worked long hours to ensure the smooth operation of those facilities. 

Jim's many interests in life included astronomy, local geology (rock hounding), gardening, and the stock market - a love-hate relationship that he discussed regularly with his oldest son Craig and his twins, Brendan and Blair. Jim and Shannon spent happy vacation times in warm places, enjoying time in Mexico, Cuba, and especially Hawaii. In recent months, sitting on their deck in Princeton became their sanctuary. Admiring the flowers and birds or relaxing in front of the fire pit on weekends. Jim also stayed in constant touch with each of his siblings. Being the youngest of six, he wasn't shy about seeking (or offering) advice. There was so much laughter (and opinions) shared during those conversations and that will be his legacy. Just a great, likeable, generous guy gone way too soon.

Jim is survived by his devoted life partner, Shannon Munro, his three sons, Craig Read (Haley), Brendan Hunt and Blair Hunt, his three sisters Eileen Carlson (Pierce), Gail Clarke (Doug), Leslie Shail (Len) and his two brothers Roy Hunt and Barry Hunt, and his grandson Preston. He was predeceased by parents, Howie and Shirley Hunt, his first wife Beth, and his niece Sherri Lynne Thompson/Britton. Also mourning his loss are so many nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins and Craig's mom, our friend, Cheryl Puckett (Gerry).

Instead of a formal service, Jim preferred a family gathering full of happy memories and good stories.  


Tributes

Nevil Corbeth
September 15th, 2026

I had the pleasure of working for or with Jim for many years when I was at McKenna Logistics. During that time we became great friends and talked pretty regularly about business, family, and what was generally going on.

After I left McKenna I still stayed in touch with Jim. He was such an easy lucky guy and I always left my conversations with him feeling better about everything. He just had that kind of mannerism and attitude.

I last spoke to Jim just over a month ago about some business we were working on together in British Columbia. I'm deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and I'll miss him immensely. He was a great guy all around and really made the world a better place.

Rest in peace Jim. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we have a beer together again. Cheers!

Jas R
September 14th, 2026

Jim was a very dear friend to me. You can call him anytime of the day or night and you can have conversations about everything and anything for hours.

I will miss those conversations.

Rest in peace my friend!!

John McKenna
September 10th, 2026

When I think of Jim, I think of his kind soul. He was a truly great guy, and losing him this early is incredibly tough for all of us, especially those lucky enough to have worked with him.
The leg of Jim’s journey that I walked with him started back in the summer of 2006. We were sitting out on a patio with Steve Rathwell, who was teaching me about the logistics landscape in Vancouver. Steve told me that I must meet Jim because he is the guy I will need. Steve almost forced me to hire him as the manager for McKenna Logistics Centres’ expansion to Vancouver, and honestly, that was the start of an amazing relationship.
From the get-go, Jim built McKenna’s Vancouver branch from the ground up. He found the location, hired the crew, and handled every single tiny detail. He kept the whole ship running smoothly and on course. Over time, I grew to rely on him so heavily because the guy never let me down. Whatever it took to keep the customers happy and represent us well, Jim just did it.
And when I say he did everything, I mean everything. On any given day, he was the manager, forklift operator, IT guy, sales director, pricing manager, HR lead, picker, and cleaner. The warehouse was always shipshape, except for his own office; that was more like an unkempt stock room!
Of course, he didn't do it all alone. He had Shannon right there by his side. She was his "Radar O’Reilly". She always knew exactly what he needed before he even realized it himself. They were an inseparable team, a dynamic duo, and both McKenna and our customers were lucky to have them.
When things got crazy and he needed extra hands, he’d call in his family posse. His brother, Barry, backed him up in the warehouse for a long time, and his boys, Blair and Brendan, were frequently "conscripted" to hit the floor and help get things out the door. Jim was such a family man. He loved his kids and his siblings so much, and he always spoke so highly of them. He truly appreciated the relationship he had with each and every one of them.
He also had this incredible entrepreneurial mindset. Hearing him talk about growing up in his dad's business, it was so obvious where he got that drive. Jim’s integrity was bulletproof, and his work ethic was unmatched.
He was one of three people I knew who could fit “10 pounds of sugar into a 5-pound bag”. We used to joke around in our quick morning meetings, asking him whether his roof would leak that day. We asked this because Jim had this routine where he’d completely fill the warehouse aisles with product at night, and then during the day, he’d move everything from the aisles into the parking lot just so he had room to pick and ship the daily orders. If the possibility of rain was in the forecast, the stock in his "parking-lot warehouse" would likely leak.
Jim was a character. He loved to laugh, even when things were completely chaotic. Honestly, I don’t think I ever heard him say a single negative word about anyone. He had friends everywhere, and it’s really not hard to see why.
I thought the world of Jim. He was a genuinely good man with a massive heart, and you could count on him no matter what. I’m just so incredibly grateful that he let me walk down his path with him for a while. He’s going to be missed by so many of us.

Anita
September 8th, 2026

Jim was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever worked with. His work ethic, humour and dedication was truly admirable. He had such a kind heart and loving spirit. Rest in peace my friend.

kal kajla
September 8th, 2026

Jim was a great person i knew him for over 20 years , he was a great mentor and friend . I remember meeting him for the first time and he gave me a break establishing my first office on Annaciss Island . He will be greatly missed , my thoughts go out to the family

Dean S
September 8th, 2026

A Tribute to a Great Boss, Friend, and Person

It’s hard to put into words what it means to lose someone who was not only a great boss, but also a good friend and an even better person.

He was excellent at what he did. He had a way of leading that earned respect, not just because of his position, but because of the person he was. He knew his job, cared about doing things right, and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, H e was always straight to the point at work and in his jokes



He was more than a boss, he also was a friend. We played racquetball together, hung out, laughed, joked around, and shared plenty of good memories outside of work. He had a great sense of humour and could make you laugh when you least expected it with his dark humour wasnt afraid to tell ANY joke anywhere but knew his audience pretty good, . He was the kind of person who could give you a hard time one minute and have you laughing about it the next.

Working wiht him for 8yrs or so He was never afraid to say what was on his mind. Sometimes you wanted to argue with him, sometimes you knew he was right, and sometimes you just had to laugh because he was going to tell you exactly what he thought regardless. That honesty was part of who he was, and it made him someone you could trust.

What makes losing him so difficult is knowing that he left us far too young. There was still so much life ahead of him, so many more laughs to share, games of racquetball to play if my knees could hold up, and memories to make.

I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to know him—not just as my boss, but as a friend. The lessons he taught me, the laughs we shared, and the memories we made will stay with me.

He was a great boss, a great friend, and a genuinely great person. He will be missed more than words can say, but he will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, my friend. You left us far too soon, but you made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know you.. ill miss your "nicknames" for me haha.

doug waldron
September 7th, 2026

Condolances to all Jim's family and friends. Jim is sure to be missed from his sense of humor, contagious laugh and ready smile. I am glad I got to chat with him not too long ago. Bless you all!

Perla
September 7th, 2026

I first met Jim in 2020 when we moved to their warehouse, where he is the manager. At first, I was too distant and hesitant to approach him; but as days went by, I got to know the real Jim. He is a very warm person, a go-to person, and most of all, a sincere person.
Thank you so much for everything, Jim. The whole JRS team will miss you.
Rest in peace my friend.

Christine
September 5th, 2026

I knew Jim for about 15 years through work. He was definitely a hard worker and liked to have a good time. He was upbeat and had a memory that was unbelievable! He seemed to know exactly where every single item was in the warehouse by heart. I spent several weeks with him and his team in Vancouver and it was clear he valued his colleagues and was very loyal.
He spoke often of his boys 💕
It was always good to be with or talk with Jim and I’m heartbroken that I won’t hear his voice again. My deepest sympathies to Shannon, Jim’s boys and his siblings. Jim was a big personality and his passing leaves a big void.

Ian Morton
September 5th, 2026

I met Jimmy in 2002 and knew he was someone I’d get along well with. He had a big smile and a laugh to match. He talked so much about his boys whom he adored. He was always eager to share a story or a picture. Working alongside him was always interesting as Jimmy would never hesitate to give you his opinion. Over the years we had some great discussions and some that turned into arguments. They always ended up with us agreeing (sometimes agreeing to disagree). When we no longer worked together, we stayed in touch and when I had a downturn in business, Jimmy would always step up and help people who were displaced. He was loyal to people and made sure that he looked after those that were loyal to him. He was a very hard worker and always led by that example - Jimmy was first in the door in the morning and often the last out at night. He really looked forward to those trips to Mexico where he could finally unplug. Jimmy’s kindness and generosity is truly legendary. He was a good friend and I always looked forward to catching up with Jimmy and hearing all the gossip - he knew everyone in the business. When I stopped working, Jimmy would keep in touch every couple of months, just checking in to see what was going on. My heart goes out to Shannon and the boys. I will miss his calls and his familiar jovial “Hey, how’s it going”. We lost a good one. RIP Jimmy.

Priyanka
September 5th, 2026

It was a privilege to know Jim. His kindness, humor, and generosity reached into every conversation we shared. Even though we were in different provinces, we stayed closely connected through phone calls and emails. I only met him in person a few times when he was in Toronto, but those moments really stood out. I will always remember his warmth and his easy laugh. His passing leaves a quiet space that won't be easily filled.Jim, you will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, my friend 😥

Monika
September 4th, 2026

He was such a kind, wonderful, and genuinely great person. He will be deeply missed.

Cathy Beil
September 4th, 2026

I knew Jim from McKenna Logistics. Even though we didn't get to work for a long time, he has become a friend, he was great to work with, always had a joke to make someone laugh, he always knows his "numbers", and always ready to help.
When I was at the Vancouver warehouse for a couple of weeks, he would bring chocolates to the girls in the office, start dancing around the office, and just be the positive guy in the room. He was a there's-always-a-solution-to-any-problem kind of guy to work with.
Didn't get the chance to get to know more about him personally, but I can sense that he loves his kids, mentioned them to me when I was in BC.
Sending my condolences to Shannon, Jim's kids and family.

Nadhira Selva
September 4th, 2026

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of one of my old managers, someone who truly left a lasting impression on me and so many others.
He was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of working with. He had this incredible ability to make everyone around him feel cared for, respected, and valued. No matter how busy or stressful the day was, he always found a way to make people laugh and brighten the room.
I’ll always remember his phone calls while I was working. Somehow, every single time he called, he knew exactly how to crack me up and make whatever was going on that day feel a little lighter. Those are the memories I’ll cherish.
He was genuinely one of those people who made work feel more human, simply by being himself.
I have no doubt he’s already one of the most popular people in heaven, making everyone up there laugh just like he did down here. ❤️
Rest peacefully. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Shaina Merchant
September 4th, 2026

I was deeply saddened to hear about Jim’s passing. Although I had the opportunity to know him through work, we worked together at McKenna logistics in two different provinces but it was very clear that he was someone who brought warmth, humour, wherever he went.
His friendly nature, great sense of humour, and willingness to help made him a truly memorable person to work with.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Shannon, his sons, his family, and all those who loved him. May the many wonderful memories, laughter, and stories shared with Jim bring comfort during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Jim. You will be greatly missed and fondly remembered

Steve Rathwell
September 4th, 2026

Jimmy and I worked together for years yes I was his boss but more than that we were close friends We did start up whses across the country long hours never new Jimmy miss day work or be late he was always there for me and I know he knows I there for him Jimmy had a temper and we had many run ins over the years some he won some I did but we agreement when done let’s go for a beer most places we went never had trouble Jimmy life party when we did start ups in Toronto we work hard of to the club see and chase the girls sometimes we catch them if not well let’s shoot pool I guess in short feel for his boys next time out BC maybe we get together and share some stories as he spoke of you often not always good but not bad either Jimmy love you were one of my best friends they say if you can have 5 in your life you were one see you another day my friend and we can have a cheer

George Miller
September 4th, 2026

We had some good laughs Jimmy.
R.I.P.

Anna martin
September 4th, 2026
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I’ve known Jim for 20 years, and I still can’t believe he’s gone. He was the one who gave me my very first job, and over the years he became so much more than just a boss — he was a friend.

Jim was honestly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. His inappropriate jokes always had me laughing, and they were exactly my kind of humour. Over the years, he even met my husband and somehow had him in stitches laughing too. We could always sit down, have a drink, shoot the shit, and reminisce about the old days.

He was so proud of his kids and always talked about them. You could tell how much they meant to him.

I can’t believe you’re gone, Jim. Way too soon. It’s just crazy to think you’re not here anymore. I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the laughs, and for giving me that first opportunity 20 years ago. You will be missed more than you know. ❤️

Leah
September 4th, 2026

Jim was a great guy, he will be greatly missed.

Randy Gill
September 4th, 2026

Jim was a good friend of mine and honored to have had him my life. Always positive and smiling.

Great man, and I mean that.

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