James H Hunder

If you knew Jim, you know the kind, loving, funny and honest man he was. Born in a small town next to the Mississippi River, Jim spent his youth with his two brothers - Lee and Gene. It was this small-town upbringing that would lead him to be a wonderful dad to Mary, Christopher and Amy - and Papa to Emma and Kevin. Beyond that, Jim was many things. On one hand, he naturally held a strong work ethic and was successful at most everything he tried. He grew his dental practice to be the largest private one in the Twin Cities and took on a full slate of yard projects after work hours. He regularly took risks when it would help his family. He rezoned residential land to build a distinctive dental office and later purchased unique properties both domestic and international. He was an avid lover of sports and related activities. He could be found over lunch on a local racquetball court or on the weekend skiing. As a personal challenge, Jim rode a bicycle solo from coast to coast both north to south and east to west, and his hiking took him from Appalachia to the Himalayas. Later, his top passions would include nature and the arts. He loved his tree farm west of Minneapolis and could always be found planting yet another tree. In addition to years of choir, he shared his lifelong hobby of playing the saxophone with family and joined the Manatee Community Concert Band. In the end, Jim would blossom from his stoic Scandinavian roots to become someone who intimately cared for people. His primary interest was in learning about others, listening and finding ways to help. Jim brought a quiet peace and sense of joy wherever he went. In this way, Jim Hunder was a role model for Christians everywhere.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Jane; and his children, Mary Lynn, Christopher Hunder and Amy Kane; brother, Gene Hunder (Ingie); Grandchildren, Emma Kane and Kevin Kane; stepdaughter, Lisa Ross (Douglas) and their son Lennon.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 8th at 11:00 at First Congregational UCC. 1031 S. Euclid. A reception will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Pines of Sarasota Foundation, 1501 N Orange Avenue, Sarasota 34236, would be appreciated.