Dr. James Gordon Hunter

Dr. James Gordon Hunter, Jr

Dr. James Gordon Hunter, Jr, 90, of Lynchburg, Virginia, died peacefully at Westminster Canterbury on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Jim was the loving husband of Nancy Burch Hunter for 66 years. Born September 21, 1933 in Richlands, Virginia, to James Gordon Hunter and Olivia Katherine Gillespie, he was their second child and only son. He was close with many cousins on both sides of his family. Jim graduated from Virginia Episcopal School in 1951. He earned his BA in English Literature from the University of Virginia in 1955, taking science courses with an eye toward the practice of medicine. While at the University he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa as well as to the Raven Society, and he served as President of his Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Jim attended Johns Hopkins Medical School, graduating in 1959. In 1963 Jim completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Virginia Medical Center, where he served as chief resident, followed by two years as a Navy physician in Portsmouth, Virginia. In 1965 he went into private practice in internal medicine in Waynesboro, VA. In 1968 he began a second residency, in radiology, at the University of Virginia. In 1974 Jim joined Radiology Consultants in Lynchburg as the fifth physician of the group. He practiced until his retirement in 1996. He was a fellow in the American College of Radiology, a member of the Radiological Society of North America and served one term as President of the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Radiology. He was dedicated to giving the highest degree of care to each patient or medical situation.

Jim enjoyed his membership in the Society of the Cincinnati, his service on the vestry of his church, and organizations such as The Men's Horticultural Club, The Military Order of the World Wars, and especially his book club friendships and “Club Lola” lunch buddies. Jim’s gentle demeanor, thoughtfulness, humility, and wit endeared him to his family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Jim was an avid golfer and bridge player, a devoted and loving owner of dogs and cats, and enjoyed other hobbies such as planting and tending his garden. A prodigious reader, Jim had a superb personal library, filled with the works of great thinkers and writers on a broad range of subjects from history and biography to politics and architecture.

Jim is survived by his wife Nancy, his five children, Jim (Mary Beth); Ann (Andy McLean); Billy; John (Lisa) and David (Lilly), 13 adoring grandchildren, Margaret Ann (Nick), Olivia (Sam), Ellie, Mary Blair, Sam, Lizzie, Will, Jeb, Brooks, Ford, Anna Kate, Georgia and James, and three great-grandchildren, Mary Frances, Liam and Elsie. His favorite blessing at meals ended with “and make us ever mindful of the needs of others” which describes Jim’s deep interest in other people. He was the namesake for Hunter Classical Christian School in Richmond.

The family would like to give special thanks to Renee, Patrick, Tammy, Courtney, and Kathy and the many others who helped Jim and Nancy at Westminster Canterbury. Your kindness and love will never be forgotten.

A private graveside service for family and friends will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery on Sunday, August 18th at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow at the family home. Memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Episcopal School, The Westminster Canterbury Cares Foundation, or The Jefferson Council.

To send condolences, please go to www.diuguidfuneralservice.com.