James Stephen (Steve) Hunter

James Stephen (Steve) Hunter was born on December 24, 1946, at the doctor’s office above a gas station in McKenzie, Tennessee and passed away on June 3, 2024.  His parents were James Wade and M. Joyce (Presson) Hunter.

Steve is survived by his love, Sally Hrymak Hunter. They met when Sally moved a block from Steve at the age of 15.  They became fast friends, and sweethearts and married on March 15, 1969.

Steve is also survived by 2 sons, David B Hunter (Albuquerque) and Kendall S Hunter and his partner Nancy Wolff (Denver, CO); 4 grandchildren Abi and partner Kathryn Wheeler (Pittsburgh, PA); Zoe (Austin, TX);  Elle and Alex both of Denver;  cousin, Sharon English, and family (Roswell, NM); sisters in law’s Mary Merrill (Murfreesboro TN) and  Betty Hunter (Goshen, IN); brother in law, Donald Hrymak and family (Jackson, TN); nieces Beth Carroll and family (Shelbyville, TN) and Lacy Ramsey and family (Jackson, TN);  nephews John Merrill and family (Durham, NC); Matthew Hrymak and family (Jackson, TN) and Luke Hunter and family  (Goshen, IN); many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael; and brother-in-law John Merrill.

Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He began his nearly 50-year career at Dover Elevator Company in Horn Lake, MS in 1964 moving with the company first to Dallas, TX, and then to Albuquerque,  NM where he became the first elevator salesman to live in New Mexico.   He retired from Thyssen Krupp Elevators which bought Dover.   Steve, not ready for retirement, began a home elevator and lift company and lastly worked for the City of Albuquerque as an elevator inspector.

Steve was a devoted Catholic and a member of the Prince of Peace Church.   He served as CCD teacher, choir member, and worked in Engaged and Marriage Enrichment, and Confirmation.  He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Albuquerque Exchange Club, NAESA International (National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities), and ASPE( American Society of Professional Estimators.)

Alzheimer’s Disease robbed Steve and Sally of their retirement plans.  Steve remained good-natured throughout his illness and was able to live out his life at home.  The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for its wonderful and kind care professionals, Jennifer, Deacon Jerry, Janice, and Dr. Eric Metzler. Another thank you goes to P.E.O.(Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapter AD members and to friends for-all the love and care they have given to the family.

On June 15, 2024, a rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. followed by the mass of Christian Burial at  11:00 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave NE.  Immediately following mass there will be a reception at the church from 12:00-1:30. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to NM P.E.O. Scholarships for Women.  Donations can be made by sending a check to P.E.O. Chapter AD at 9115 Silver Sage Dr. NE, ABQ, 87113. The interment will be at Sandia Memory Gardens at a later date.