James Christopher Hunter of Woodbury, CT, beloved husband and eternal soulmate of Courtney Hunter, passed away on Mar. 9, 2026. He was 50 years old.
Jim lived in Centerville, OH as a young child and relished his time outdoors with his grandparents, Fred and “Sweetie.” He moved to Connecticut with his parents, Fred and Carol (Harper) Hunter, and his big brother Paul when he was eight years old. He called Westport home for much of his life.
A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, Jim was proud to have been an environmental science teacher at Wilton High School, a valued employee of both the Fairfield and Woburn, MA locations of Wild Birds Unlimited, and a Homer Award–winning garden department supervisor at the New Milford Home Depot.
Jim found a special home and sanctuary through Earthplace Nature Center in Westport. It is where he met Grit Ardwin who was like a second mother to him, and who was also a mentor who taught him all things flora and fauna. He was a local celebrity there for all who came through for guided walks and information.
Drawing on his experience with Earthplace and Ambler Farm in Wilton, Jim managed the Wilton High School greenhouse and garden and enthusiastically led Field Studies at Allen’s Meadows.
Exceptionally intelligent and curious about the natural world, Jim developed a keen eye for wildlife photography and was a naturally gifted birder. He took great pride in leading the annual Christmas Bird Count in the Branford territories, inspired by his mentor, Noble Proctor.
Following in the footsteps of his mentor, Jim served on the board of the Connecticut Ornithological Association, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting interest in Connecticut’s bird life.
Jim found incredible joy in being a FurDaddy to his rescue cat and longtime companion, Manny Boots the Shadow Hunter. Jim loved to walk Manny on a leash and bring him to schools to visit with students. Jim knew Manny was the real star when he was greeted by second graders at Brass City Charter School with shouts of, “Hey! It’s Manny’s Dad!”
In addition to his wife Courtney, Jim is survived by his aunt, Donna (Harper) Case, and her husband, Bob Case; his sister-in-law, Wendy Hunter; his niece and nephew, Lauren and Chase; his cousins; and many dear friends, mentors, and chosen family members. He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Hunter.
Jim’s wife would like to extend her deepest gratitude for the support and care he received through his Men’s Group at Christ Holy Trinity Church in Westport, the Rockland Recovery Group in Braintree, MA, and the High Watch Recovery Center in Kent.
Jim. You are not alone.
Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to the Connecticut Ornithological Association, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, or online.
To sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence, visit Maiorano Funeral Home online.