Hunter, Joseph “Jody” (Frog)

ST. IGNATIUS — Joseph John “Frog” Hunter, 81, passed away at his home in Mission early Saturday, Oct. 11.

Hunter was born on July 9, 1927, to Charles Hunter Sr. and Julia Sorrell.

Jody, as Hunter was known to his friends, grew up in Mission and traveled many places throughout his life while serving his country in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 17, 1951.

Jody enjoyed many things in his life including the love of his life, the late Jeanette Matt-Hunter. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family on numerous family get-togethers. He also enjoyed playing poker with all his ‘Friday Nite Poker Buddies.’ He loved being in the woods and often went fishing. Dad expressed many of his stories to his grandchildren. He also attended the Ursaline Boarding School in Mission. He truly loved Mission.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles Hunter, Sr. and Julia Sorrell; his late wife Jeanette Matt-Hunter; his brothers “Duke” John I. Hunter and Chuck Hunter; sisters Mazzie Hunter and Mary Hunter and his nephew Gordon Hunter, who just recently passed.

He is survived by his children — daughter Christina Porter (Vern) of Frenchtown, son Danny Hunter of St. Ignatius, son Henry Hunter of Frenchtown and daughter Jodi Hunter-Ivins of Pablo; brothers Clarence Hunter (Dorothy) of Arlee; grandchildren Dylan Ivins, Brandon Porter, Shyla Hunter, Taylor Ivins, Whisper Ivins, Nik Porter, Destiny Hunter and Angelina Hunter as well as many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A traditional wake for Jody began on Saturday at the family home, located at the Mission Dam Homesites, and moved to the Longhouse in St. Ignatius on Sunday at 4 p.m. The rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Sunday evening at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the wake closing at 9 a.m. Monday in the Longhouse. Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission, with interment following in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery where military honors were presented by the Mission Valley Guard and the Veterans Warrior Society. Hunter’s Friday night poker pals were honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Jody’s name to the charity of their choice.