LOUISBURG, NC -- James Barnhill "J.B." Hunt, 84, of Louisburg, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 6, 2026, surrounded by family at his home after a long courageous battle with cancer.

JB was born in the Moulton Community of Louisburg to the late G.W. "Buck" and Mamie Harris Hunt. He was preceded in death by his son, Wesley Hunt, and brothers Irvin, Raford "Racy" and Gus.

JB retired from Franklin County Public schools as a school bus mechanic, and he was a long-standing member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher.

A visitation was held Saturday, January 10 from 5 until 6:30 p.m. at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory in Louisburg. Funeral services were held Sunday, January 11 at 2:30 p.m. in the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory followed by burial at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

JB is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Kay S. Hunt, son, Shane Hunt, daughter in law, Shannon Hunt (Johnny Foster), granddaughter Codi Denton (Zachary), grandsons Jake Hunt (fiancée Katelyn Wester), Alex Hunt, great-grandson Keith Denton, Debbie Gupton who was like a sister and her husband Mike, sister in-law Shelby Spencer, along with many nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as Uncle B.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 111 Laurel Mill-Centerville Rd., Louisburg, NC 27549.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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