Jess was born, September 5, 1936, in Malad, Idaho as the first and only son to Ivan Hunsaker and Isabelle Noble. At the time of Jess’s arrival, his parents were dairy and cattle farmers and their farm would define dad’s youth and some of his biggest shenanigans.

In the fall of 1956 Jess attended Utah State University. In 1958, Jess graduated from the California College of Mortuary Science. Jess was a boxer in the ROTC and enjoyed being connected to college activities involving dancing, socializing and spreading his charm to his fellow students.

On July 25th, 1963, Jess married Brigitte Buckway in Ogden, Utah. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage. They were each other’s best friends, confidants and partners in crime. As said many times by Brigitte, “It wasn’t always easy, but it certainly was always fun.” Together they traveled the world, loved cruising, golfing, boating and fishing. And while dad didn’t like to admit it, mother was the best clay pigeon shot in the family. Playing cards was a frequent pastime at the Hunsaker household. Because of Jess, every single one of us can hold our own playing a mean game of cards. Dad enjoyed hunting pheasants, ducks and geese. And he loved his corvette and his membership in the corvette club with his buddies. Dad loved all animals and he is now rejoined with his favorite childhood dog, Tip and his loyal horse, Babe.

Nothing was more important to Jess than his family and friends. He was made of laughter, and nothing pleased him more than to be surrounded by the people he loved sharing stories and telling jokes. Jess could say the funniest things. He never met a stranger. Jess always treated everyone with kindness and respect, and he loved everyone exactly the way we were. Jess loved love and was made of love. His superpower was the way he loved and he loved so BIG.

Jess proudly carried his membership in the Democratic Party, as he was a passionate advocate for the underdog, women, children, pets and the elderly. You could count on Jess to be non-judgmental. Jess was always available to help someone in need. He shared many gifts with us and was an example of how to be a productive member of society and how to navigate this world with grace, dignity and honesty. He taught us to always give back and leave things better than you found them. He was our constant; our stable and steady Northern Star. Jess was the captain of our ship and we all followed him.

Jess believed deeply in volunteering and giving back to the community. He was a long-time board member of Goldenwest Credit Union, where he served as Chairman. He was also a lifetime member of Kiwanis International and a recipient of the George F. Hixson award and fellowship. His lifetime of service included involvement with the Utah Funeral Service Association, National Funeral Director’s Association, Cremation Association of North America, and countless other funeral organizations. He was the Chairman of the American Red Cross.

Jess is survived by his beautiful wife Brigitte; his son, Robert Hunsaker (Debra); and his daughter, Christine Hunsaker (Traci). Jess has three grandchildren who he loves dearly, Jenna Lauren, Jess Robert and Jett Hunsaker (Britta). He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Campbell; his niece Cindy Campbell; and two nephews, Richard and Calvin Campbell. Michael Harris, while not a son by blood, was dad’s son in every way that mattered. Lastly, Dad’s loyal shadow, Ike, has promised to guard the house and protect mother. After all, Ike is the best dog on the block.

Funeral Services will be held at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. A viewing, where friends may meet the family, will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12 noon. Funeral services under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home.

Following the funeral, Jess will be interred at Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George. At the conclusion of all services, our guests will be welcomed to our home in Stone Cliff.

Jess built a life full of love and laughter. He will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered. He leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Our lives were better with Jess in them.