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John Edwin Hunt, Jr. (80) passed away peacefully after an extended illness on July 5, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born on March 2, 1946, in Tallahassee to parents John Edwin Hunt, Sr. and Winnifred Pritchard Hunt. John Jr. started his career in the insurance industry in 1964 when he joined his father’s insurance agency while enrolled in Miami Dade Community College. John helped his father move the insurance business back to Tallahassee in 1972 forming John E. Hunt & Associates, where he served as Executive Vice President, later becoming President. In 1984, John E. Hunt & Associates commercial business was sold, the company moved location locally and changed names to Hunt Insurance Group. John served as Chairman, President and CEO of Hunt Insurance Group, overseeing management and daily operations. John was instrumental in developing and successfully running specialized self-insurance fund administration for law enforcement in Florida, Missouri and Louisiana in the areas of professional liability, auto fleet, workers compensation and group health care. John and his father, John Sr., created the Florida Sheriffs Self-Insurance Fund, a self-insured professional liability program for the Florida Sheriffs in 1978, and then the Sheriffs Automobile Risk Program in 1984 followed by the Florida Sheriffs Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Program in 2002. John Jr. created the Louisiana Sheriffs Risk Management Agency for the Louisiana Sheriffs Association in 1984 followed by the Louisiana Sheriffs Automobile Risk Program in 1987. The Missouri Sheriffs Self Insurance Fund in 1985, and subsequently the Louisiana Clerks of Court Risk Management Agency. The family agency was eventually acquired by Hilb, Rogal & Hamilton, which was subsequently acquired by Willis Global in 2008. John retired as Chairman of Hunt Insurance Group in August 2008 establishing Star & Shield Services for which he served as Executive Chairman. This organization served as an insurer for home and personal auto insurance for law enforcement, fire-rescue and the first responder community. John rejoined Hunt Insurance Group in 2015 when it was purchased back from Willis Group and subsequently retired in 2024. John was a licensed insurance agent for property and casualty, miscellaneous lines, life and health. He was a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) since 1976 and obtained an Associate in Risk Management (ARM). John previously served as the President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Tallahassee, Charter President of Sunrise Rotary Club, Chairman and longtime member of the Insurance Advisory Committee for the City of Tallahassee, charter member of the City of Tallahassee Minority Business Enterprise Committee and served as Agent Representative for the Agent's Councils for both Safeco and Continental Insurance Companies, as well as Director and Officer of Tallahassee Jaycees. John served on the local Board of Directors/Advisors for Lewis State Bank, First Florida Bank, and Barnett Bank. He then served on the Nations Bank local advisory board until it was acquired by Bank of America. John was a member of the Florida Sheriffs Association and is recognized as a Lifetime Honorary Member. He was a Lifetime member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association where he served as a Trustee on the Florida Police Chiefs Education and Research Foundation, Inc. He was a founding member, Past President and Treasurer and served as a member of the Board of Directors of The Committee of Ninety-Nine of Tallahassee/Leon County, Inc., a law enforcement support organization organized to work with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Tallahassee Police Department. He is a Masonic member of Jackson Lodge #1 F&AM, founding member of Marzuq Shrine Temple in Tallahassee where he served as insurance committee chairman, and he was a member of the Valley of Tallahassee Scottish Rite. He was active with his daughters as they showed quarter horses and Palominos around the country and served as President of the Florida Palomino Breeders Association. John will be remembered by all who knew him for his integrity and honesty. He lived his life trying to live each day fully and to leave the world a better place. He knew how to tell a story and a good joke and was known for his sense of humor. John played in a folk band in Junior College and continued playing guitar and singing for his family later into his life. He played saxophone, piano (by ear) and banjo. John will also be remembered for being kind and generous to family and friends. He supported many charitable organizations and political organizations. Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Linda Worley Hunt; children Amy (Rob), Luewin, and Susan (Derek); grandchildren Isla and Ella; siblings Jacque, Geoff (Nancy), Dick, and Scott (Dottie) as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family members, friends and colleagues whom he loved dearly. John is preceded in passing by his parents. A memorial service will be held at Bevis Funeral Home on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, John would encourage that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

John Edwin Hunt, Jr.

March 2, 1946 - July 5, 2026