Source: The Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter
Born James Augustus Hunter to Abbott & Lillie Hunter in Hertford, N.C. on April 8, 1946, Jimmy, as family and friends knew him, was the youngest of eight children in the Hunter family. The son of area sharecroppers, Jimmy knew the importance of family and friends in small town life. His love of the outdoors grew from childhood experiences, as did his love of the game. Jimmy attended Perquimans County High School, where he excelled in both football and baseball, but baseball would become his life. In 1965, with his high-school sweetheart, Helen, by his side, young Jimmy signed with Charles O. Finley of the Kansas City Athletics. Finley gave Jimmy the nickname of “Catfish” that corresponded with his small-town roots and down home manner. Throughout his baseball career, his relationship with Helen grew. They were married on October 9, 1966, had three wonderful children and now have two beautiful grandchildren. After his 15-year career, Jimmy retired to his hometown of Hertford to a modest farm that occupied both his heart and his time.
In September of 1998, Jimmy was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that would
compromise his living condition and contribute to his death on September 9,
1999, at the age of 53.
A very private man, Jimmy was able to use his celebrity to increase awareness of
Lou Gehrig's disease, joining friends and family in starting The Jim “Catfish”
Hunter ALS Foundation in Hertford, N.C.
While he may no longer be here, his wife Helen along with family and friends, continue to work tirelessly to fulfill their mission to help promote research that will lead to a cure.
The Foundation
and The ALS Association Carolinas Chapter have a long-standing friendship and
have joined forces on many programs and events. In July of 2002, The Carolinas
Chapter was renamed
The Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter to help increase awareness
for ALS.
