Claude J. "Jake" Hunt

Claude Jacob “Jake” Hunt, 81, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in Sistersville, West Virginia, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous journey with dementia. Born April 7, 1945, in Canton, Ohio, to his parents, Claude and Elizabeth Hunt, Jake graduated from Sistersville High School in 1963, before attending West Virginia Tech, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. During his college years, he formed lifelong friendships while serving as equipment manager for the football team and as a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from West Virginia University. In addition to his parents, Jake was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Jacob and Prudence Byers, who raised him from the time he was 2 years old and gave him so many wonderful memories and life lessons, which he loved to impart to his own children, including inspiring his love for the Pittsburgh Pirates by listening to their games nightly on the radio with his grandfather; his sister, Shirley (Melvin) Kendle; and his brothers: Fred, William “Bill” and Mexal Hunt. Surviving are his beloved children: Rick (Kimberly) Hunt, Tonya (Timothy Florence) Hunt, and Tanya (Rick) Handley; his grandchildren: Loren (Justin) Johnson, Logan (Mallory) Hunt, Gabriella Hunt, Reece Hunt, Hayden Hunt, Beckham Hunt, Lizzie Handley and Trent Handley; his great grandchildren: Niko and Cal Johnson (and Baby Boy Rhodes Hunt due in October); and his sisters: Betty (Donald) Rinick, Nelma Boyles and Patty Soliday. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jake began his career as a teacher and basketball coach at Harrisville High School and Sistersville Junior High School. He and his wife, Linda, then moved with their six-week-old son to Winfield, where Jake began teaching and coaching at Winfield High School. In 1977, he led the Generals to the school’s first State Championship game (though, as Jake would say, “we don’t talk about who won”). After leaving education, Jake built a successful career in the insurance industry with MetLife and then Erie Insurance. He had CJ Hunt & Associates in Winfield for years before leaving the insurance world to work for the State of West Virginia. In 2001, Jake became executive director for the Region II West Virginia Work Force Investment Board, where he worked until he retired in 2023. Jake served as Mayor of Winfield for a total of 17 years. During his administration, he led one of the most important infrastructure projects in the town’s history, the development of Winfield’s municipal sanitary sewer system. That project improved public health, supported residential and commercial growth, and laid the foundation for the community’s future. He also is responsible for the signs that welcome people into the town. His leadership left a lasting mark on Winfield that continues to benefit its residents today. Jake was also very active in his children’s lives as they grew up, coaching them in various sports, and supporting them in all their endeavors. He was over the Winfield Youth Basketball League and coached little league baseball and softball for many years. Jake loved his family and one of his favorite things to do was support his grandchildren in all their activities, from the basketball court to the football field to the soccer pitch to the national honor society ceremonies, he was there. Their accomplishments brought him immeasurable joy, and they always knew they could count on seeing him in the crowd. Jake possessed a gift for making people laugh. He had a quick wit, an infectious smile, and a joke ready for every occasion. His sense of humor was one of his defining traits, bringing joy to family, friends and even strangers. He believed it was important to never take himself too seriously and his positive attitude was contagious. Even as dementia gradually took so much from him, it never stole his ability to smile, laugh, and brighten the lives of those around him. Jake was loved by many and will be missed greatly but his legacy of the importance of having a strong work ethic, finding humor in all things and never taking yourself too seriously will live on. Funeral Service for Jake will be 7:00pm Friday July 31, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home Winfield, WV with Pastor Jeff Fetty officiating. Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside Burial will be 10:00am Saturday August 1, 2026 at Winfield Cemetery with Dr. Richard Sargent officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Jake’s name to: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) 1601 2nd Ave, Charleston, WV 25387. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Jake’s tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home 12848 Winfield Road Winfield, WV is honored to serve the Hunt family.

Claude J. "Jake" Hunt

April 7, 1945 - July 28, 2026