William James 'Jim' Hunnewell, 92

Jim Hunnewell passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, with his loving wife of 67 years and his dog Tucker beside him.

Born on Sept. 1, 1933, to William and Ida Hunnewell in Kalispell, Jim grew up in Olney. He served in the Army, worked on the railroad, and later spent 35 years at the Aluminum Plant in Columbia Falls. To help support his family, Jim took on many odd jobs over the years, including tar roofing, electrical work for friends and family, woodworking, and just about anything else that needed to be done. He learned electrical wiring at around 13 years old by watching electricians wire his family’s home. Jim also helped build the first church in Olney and was truly a jack-of-all-trades.

Jim was always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors, never expecting anything in return.

Aside from his family, his greatest joy was serving as a volunteer firefighter for 20 years. It was his pride and joy. He especially enjoyed the monthly breakfasts at the fire hall, where he could visit with both the new staff and fellow retirees.

Jim loved elk hunting in the Bob Marshall every September, something he looked forward to each year until he was no longer able to make the trip. He also loved camping with family and friends and cherished watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sports and music events.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Jay; three sisters and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Jim survived by his wife of 67 years, Marcia; his daughter, Vanice Woodbeck; his son, Gary (Kathy) Hunnewell; three grandchildren, Stephanie (James) Johnson, Aaron (Abbey) Woodbeck and Haley (Keith) Diringer; and three great-grandchildren, Jay Rohde, Bain Johnson and Collins Diringer. He is also survived by his sister, Elsie (Keith) Kastner; sister-in-law, Carla Corbally; brother-in-law, Jim Rounds and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Park Side Credit Union for the 9/11 Memorial at the Fire Department, a cause that was very important to Jim.

A memorial service will be held on July 17 at 2 p.m. at The Foundry Church, Church of the Nazarene, 1125 Seventh St. E. in Whitefish.