SHELBY — The voice of the late James “Jim” Hunter still plays in Joe Gies’ head.
Gies, Shelby’s project coordinator, was hired by the late Shelby mayor more than two decades ago.
“It’s been my honor to serve under him and the other four mayors (after Hunter’s term),” he said during Monday night’s City Council meeting.
But before Gies worked under Hunter in a professional capacity, he spent many years listening to his infamous voice fill W.W. Skiles Field on football Friday nights in downtown Shelby.
“I will never not remember his voice while carrying the football for the Whippets,” Gies said as Hunter’s wife, Louise, and daughters smiled from across the room.
Gies’ comments were some of many voiced by city officials Monday prior to a vote on legislation centered around honoring the late voice of the Whippets.
City Council unanimously approved the secondary designation of Leslie Lane, the street on which Hunter resided, as Mayor James W. Hunter Memorial Lane. The legislation specifies that appropriate signage will be placed once the city receives the sign.
Councilman Steve McLaughlin, who sponsored the legislation, said the idea for the street dedication was brought forward by former Shelby Mayor and Councilman Garland Gates.
Hunter taught English for 33 years
Hunter passed away on May 22, 2025 at age 82.
He was a two-term Shelby councilman and served as mayor from 2002 to 2005.
Hunter also taught English at Shelby High School for 33 years, along with directing and advising Whippet Theater.
His role as the voice of the Whippets, calling Shelby home football games, lasted for more than four decades.
“He (Hunter) had influence in the schools and on the stage and on Friday nights under the lights,” current Shelby Mayor Steve Schag said. “He was beloved and served our city well.
“I think this is a very fitting way to memorialize his contributions to the City of Shelby.”
