Phillip John Hunt, Jr

Phillip John Hunt Jr.

Sunrise: November 3, 1953 - Sunset: March 10, 2025 

Phillip John Hunt Jr. was the oldest son of six siblings born to Ivestine and the late Louie John Hunt. The family lived in Roswell, New Mexico until 1968 when they relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, when Phil was 15. 

Phil was a gifted athlete and played football, basketball, and ran track at Mitchell High School. In addition to sports, he was active in student leadership and was elected the first Black Student Body President at Mitchell. He received his high school diploma in 1972 and was awarded a track and field scholarship to study at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC). 

While at SFCC, Phil worked at the US Forest Service supporting wildland firefighting which was a character-building experience that he was very proud to have undertaken. He advanced from community college to the University of Northern Colorado, where he received a degree in Sociology and participated in the ROTC. 

Phil was commissioned into the Air Force after graduating from college. He attained the rank of Captain before receiving an honorable discharge. After leaving the Service, he traveled around the country before settling in the Pacific Northwest. 

Phil enjoyed working with young people and helping them discover their life’s purpose. At the University of Washington, he became a Student Activities Advisor and worked with the Student Government. In this role he mentored thousands of students before "transitioning" (his word) after 30 years of service in 2018. 

Phil was active in his Seattle community; he served as a coach, referee, and evaluator for the Pacific Northwest Basketball Officials Association, and had brief stints as a school bus driver and a community recreation center attendant. He volunteered as a guardian ad litem with the Court Appointed Special Advocate program and in this role he supported children in difficult circumstances and helped them to thrive. 

In his free time, Phil was an avid golfer, racquetball player, and cyclist, among other sports. He was a diehard Denver Broncos fan and collected much of their memorabilia. Phil loved to travel and connect with people whether debating currents affairs or sharing how to get the best results on a barbeque grill. Phil had a wicked sense of humor and was an active member of his fraternity Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. He stayed connected with his fraternity brothers until his last days. 

Phillip Hunt was born on November 3, 1953, in Roswell, New Mexico. He leaves behind his wife, Juanita Ricks; his son, Adam; daughters, Marissa, Te-Ana, and Amber; and his grandchildren, Triniti and Xavier. He is survived by his mother Ivestine White and siblings Betty L. Hunt, Barbara S. Ikner, Florence Hunt, Wendell Hunt, and Wealtha Deakings (Keith) along with a host of nieces and nephews. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, with the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” -2 Timothy 4:7-8

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