SHELBY — The City of Shelby is mourning the loss of a former mayor for the second time in the past two months.
According to city officials, former mayor James Hunter passed away Thursday morning. He was 82.
A memorial service has been set for May 31 at First Lutheran Church in Shelby, according to Kyle Bailey, funeral director apprentice at Barkdull Funeral Home. Calling hours are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the funeral will follow at 1 p.m.
Hunter was also a two-term councilman, as well as an educator. He served as Shelby’s mayor from 2002 to 2005.
His predecessor, Doris Payne-Biglin, who was the city’s first elected female mayor, passed away on April 2 at the age of 91. She served as mayor from 1996 to 2001.
RELATED READING
On Thursday, former Shelby mayor and retired councilman Garland Gates shared on social media that Hunter had died. Arrangements are pending at Barkdull Funeral Home in Shelby, Gates posted.
“Grace and peace to all who knew and loved Jim (James) Hunter,” the longtime councilman said.
On Friday morning, current Shelby Mayor Steve Schag, in accordance with the governor’s office, ordered flags of the City of Shelby be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Sunday to honor Hunter’s life and public service.
“Please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with the Hunter family,” Schag said.
Schag shares fond memories of Hunter
Schag said he had the privilege of serving on the Shelby City Planning Commission under Hunter’s administration.
“It was clearly evident that he had a passion for creating a brighter future for all the citizens of Shelby,” the mayor said. “Mr. Hunter was truly a one-of-a-kind character.”
Having been an actor on various local stages over the years, theatrics were in Hunter’s blood, Schag said.
“That background manifested itself in many of his communications and personal conversations,” he said. “He also had a good sense of (dry) humor. I always found him to be a man with an incredible intellect and a warm heart.”
Hunter was also the recognizable “voice of the Shelby Whippets,” Schag said, manning the microphone for scores of athletic competitions.
“No one will ever forget his voice ringing out over the site of the historic Skiles Field on Friday nights,” the mayor said. “Mr. James Hunter left an indelible imprint upon this community through his dedicated service as a school teacher, councilman and mayor.
“My thoughts and prayers of consolation are with his dear family and circle of friends.”