James (Jim) Lloyd Hunt

James (Jim) Lloyd Hunt, 62, of Grand View, Idaho, passed away unexpectedly on August 18, 2025, shortly after fulfilling a lifelong dream of traveling through Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.

Jim was born on June 20, 1963, in Springfield, Virginia, to Melvin and Arva Hunt. In December 1968, the family moved to Grand View, Idaho, where his parents purchased the Square Deal Store. Jim grew up there alongside his older brother, Michael, and became a lifelong resident of the community.

He graduated from Rimrock High School in 1981 and went on to attend Boise State University before pursuing his passion for adventure at a commercial diving school in Seattle. After graduating, James worked as an underwater welder on offshore drill rigs in Louisiana and later in foreign countries including Thailand and China. Despite the dangers, he cherished the opportunities for travel and new experiences.

When unsafe conditions prompted his return home, James continued his career as a driller in Elko, Nevada. While there, he reconnected with Pam Nicholas DeVeny, and the two married. James was proud to help raise her daughters, Dana and Nicky, whom he loved deeply. His career later took him to Wyoming, where he worked in oil fields and construction, and to Canada as a long-haul truck driver, before eventually returning home to Little Valley.

Jim’s adventurous spirit led him across the world again, this time to Nepal. There, he lived and studied herbal medicine with a village Shaman, opened a welding shop, and taught young men safe welding practices. He assisted in many stone construction projects in Kande, Nepal, and designed metal stoves for villagers—people often walked more than 100 miles to purchase them. He remained in Nepal through the devastating earthquake and mudslides, where he worked tirelessly in recovery efforts.

Though he returned home in 2016, the pull of his adopted family in Nepal took him back there for several more years. Most recently, in October 2024, Jim set out for what he described as a “dream trip of a lifetime” to Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. A motorcycle accident in June 2025 brought him back to Grand View, where he was overjoyed to be home among family and friends before his unexpected passing.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, Melvin Hunt, and his beloved wife Pam. He is survived by his mother, Arva Hunt; his brother Michael (Pamm), and their children Ashley and Jason (Amber); his daughters Dana Donahue and Nicky (Randy) Cacciola; and his treasured grandchildren Kylie, McKenzie, and Keaira Donahue; and Kayli, Andrew, Sienna, Nicholas, Ryan, and Kolson Cacciola; along with great nieces and nephews, and countless friends and extended family both in the U.S. and abroad who will miss him dearly.

Jim will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love for family and community. His life was defined by exploration, resilience, and a deep care for others that stretched across continents.

Funeral service will be September 13, 2025, at the American Legion Lions Hall at 11:00 am with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eastern Owyhee County Library, Grand View Office, 520 Boise Ave., Grand View, ID 83624; or any cause of your choice in his name.