John Hum Jr.

John Fenton Hum, Jr., age 98, died on January 13, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan to his Arkansas born parents, Theresa Loetscher Hum and John F. Hum, Sr. He was the 2nd of eleven children and was always a steadfast advocate for each of his siblings and their families. John grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas where he attended St. Patrick’s School and later attended Subiaco Academy in Northwest Arkansas. At Subiaco, he was an adventuresome student with a penchant for mischief. In 1943, he was awarded the prestigious medal for mathematics after “guiding” his instructors through the solution of a difficult equation. He graduated from Subiaco in 1945. While a senior at Subiaco Academy, John was drafted into service for World War II at the age of 18. He enlisted in the US Army in May of 1945 and served in a calvary unit. He was undergoing training for Operation Downfall, the planned invasion of Japan, when the war came to an end. On December 30, 1950, he married Ernestine Zimmerebner. Together, they built a life full of love and devotion, raising three children during their 66 years of marriage. Their journey continued until her death in 2016.

After returning from the army, John embarked on a career as a traveling salesman for John Morrell Packing Company. Later, he worked alongside his father at the family-owned, Jean’s Market. As large grocery chains began to dominate the industry, John transitioned to Otasco where he excelled and won numerous awards for his productivity. His kindness, service and generosity extended to his customers and the tenants of his rental properties.

He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, card games, travelling and almost never sat still. He especially cherished time at the Argenta Cache River Hunting Club where he hunted at age 97 with the assistance of his grandsons. John worked selflessly to maintain the club, often working at the cabin while others hunted. His boundless energy and adventuresome spirit remained evident well into his later years.

A devout Catholic, John was a long time member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and later at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, where his wife, Ernie, was a founding member. John joined The Knights of Columbus before enlisting in the army and became a Fourth Degree Knight in 1988. He was named KFC Council 6253 Knight of the Year in 2001 and 2005. The Hum Family was honored as KFC Family of the Year in 1992. After retiring, John continued to serve his community through AARP Chapter 1516, where he organized and led numerous trips and was president for the chapters 20th anniversary.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ernie, his son, Gary Leo, his siblings; George Hum, Gerald Hum, Albert Hum, Annie Grapevine, Rita Green, Bill Hum, Clara Goss and his great grandchildren, Randall David Hum and Penelope Laine Hum.

He leaves behind his devotion to family, strong work ethic, service to others and faith to his daughter, Vickey Metrailer (Jim); his son, Patrick Hum (Lisa); his daughter-in-law, Charlsie Hum; his sisters Theresa Kleinpeter, Bernadette Renton and his brother Patrick Hum. He was a wonderful grandfather to Emily, Jamie, John Thomas, Aaron, Leo, Ashley, Diana, Patrick and Nick plus 19 great grandchildren and a tribe of nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated caregivers, Tanya Mannon and Karen McKee, whose love and care brought him comfort in his last years. Memorials may be made to Subiaco Academy: 405 N. Subiaco Ave. Subiaco, AR 72865.

Visitation will take place at Smith Family Cares Funeral Home, North Little Rock at 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 19, 2025 followed by a rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Little Rock on Monday, January 20, 2025.