John was born in Los Angeles, California on August 31, 1931 to Father John Seaton Hunt and Mother Janet Culberson Hunt.
John attended grade school at Black-Foxe Military Institute and graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1949. He enlisted in the Marines at age 19 and served in the Korean War between 1951-1954. Between bull rides at a Rodeo, he met the love of his life, Mary Margaret Orrison and they were married on July 21, 1956.
John’s love of animals brought him to Fresno State College where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Husbandry. John & Mary purchased a 10-acre ranch in Clovis, California where they raised their three children.
While living in Clovis, John became well known for his specialized horseshoeing and working with elite horses involved in equestrian competition.
Later in life, he decided to become a long-haul trucker. Many stories have been told about his adventures, especially about the calamities that occurred while driving through Canadian snow and ice. Then, his driving skills took him to Hollywood where he transported equipment for the film industry.
The military was an important part of his life, so he joined the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary where he became Commander of the Eleventh District (NR) Division 10.
During his service, John was certified by the Coast Guard Auxiliary for his competencies as a Master Instructor, Vessel Examiner, Boat Crew Coxswain, Personal Watercraft Operator, and was authorized for Operation Missions under Coast Guard Orders.
During his thousands of hours of service, he received numerous awards that included Sustained Auxiliary Service, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Transportation 9-11 Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Auxiliary VE/MDV Service, DOT Secretary’s Outstanding Unit, and for Auxiliary Operations Service. John was a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security which is dedicated to preventing terrorist attacks within the United States. John was also recognized for his excellent service by Channel 30 Action News. The special report referred to him as the “John Wayne” of the Waterways.
John & Mary lived on Millerton Lake where they enjoyed sailing and John was an avid water skier. John & Mary also enjoyed traveling with their recreational vehicle, cruises, and trips around the world.
John is survived by his wife Mary, as well as his son John Seaton Hunt III (Betsy) and daughter Stephanie Dianne Western; his sister Nancy (Hunt) Hooker; 6 grandchildren and five 5 great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer Lynn Hunt-Watson.
A Celebration of Life for John will be held Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 785 North Fowler Avenue, Clovis, California 93611.
In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 785 North Fowler Avenue, Clovis, California 93611 or online at https://www.emmanuelclovis.com .
