J. B. Hunt

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This article refers to the founder of an American trucking and transportation company, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

Johnnie Bryan Hunt (February 28, 1927 - December 7, 2006), better known as J. B. Hunt, was an American entrepreneur who founded J.B. Hunt Transport Services, a major trucking and transportation company. Hunt was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Growing up during the Great Depression put a large strain on him, and after the 7th grade at the age of 12, he left school to find work. His first job was working for his uncle in his sawmill so that the family could survive. After a brief time in the U.S. Army, Hunt spent the 1950s as a lumber salesman, auctioneer, and truck driver before starting a rice hull business with his wife Johnelle in 1961. His first attempt at the trucking business was not a success. He lost approximately $19,000.

He returned to the trucking industry in 1969 with five tractors and seven trailers. He began to remove himself from the company when he stepped down as president in 1982, but was still a main fixture within the company and remained chairman till 1995. On December 31, 2004, Hunt retired from the company, but remained its largest shareholder.

Hunt was known throughout his life for his generosity, and was famous for carrying around a money clip containing $100 bills, which he would hand out to people he felt could use the money.

Hunt died December 7, 2006. He had been in critical condition for several days at a hospital in Springdale, Arkansas, after falling and hitting his head on ice.[1] [2]