The 22-year-old man killed Tuesday night when his car was struck by Jeep driving the wrong-way on Route 15 was held in high esteem by his friends and teammates on his college baseball team.
Robert "Jamie" Hunter III MOUNT OLIVE -- The 22-year-old man killed Tuesday night when his car was struck by a Jeep driving the wrong-way on Route 15 was beloved by many and held in high esteem by his former teammates on the County College of Morris baseball team.
Robert "Jamie" Hunter III, was affectionately known as "Bear" by his family, baseball teammates and friends, according to his obituary.
"He was a strapping young man who could be a fierce competitor as well as the giver of wonderful bear hugs," the obituary said. "The nickname was most appropriate."
Troy Hance, a former teammate, said Hunter was "a special kind of guy" who was selfless and "knew how to make everyone laugh."
"This is such a tragedy because the world lost such an amazing individual," Hance said. "He impacted so many people throughout the time I have known him."
Hunter was driving south on Route 15 in Sparta Tuesday night when his 1998 Toyota Corrolla was struck head-on by a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven by Teresa Verbout, 50, of Sparta. Police say Verbout's Jeep drove north on Route 15 south and nearly hit a police car before colliding with the Toyota. Hunter was pronounced dead at the scene.
Woman charged with vehicular homicide after wrong-way crash on Route 15
Hunter was on his way to work in Florham Park as a night security guard for Planned Securities Tuesday night when his car was struck, according to his obituary.
Verbout, who police say was intoxicated, has been charged with vehicular homicide and DWI. She was flown to Morristown Medical Center after sustaining serious injuries to her legs, police said.
Brian Eberly, the head coach of the CCM baseball team, told NJ Advance Media a moment of silence was held for Hunter before CCM's home basketball game Thursday night.
Robert "Jamie" Hunter III"Jamie was a beloved member of the 2012 CCM Baseball team," Eberly said in a statement. "'Bear,' as he was known, served as the closer for the team which won 27 games that year. Jamie was a tremendously hard worker, and the definition of a good teammate. He was most recently on campus as he pitched in this fall's alumni game. He will be truly missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his teammates, friends, and family."
Pierce Hans, another teammate, described Hunter as selfless, caring and a true friend.
"There are so many things I want to say but cannot find the words," Hans said. "Bear was one of the hardest workers on our team. He knew how to lighten the mood up no matter what was going on. You could always see him smiling, which, in that case, when he smiled you couldn't help but do the same."
According to his obituary, "Jamie loved paintball, movies, and entertaining people with his spot-on Irish and Scottish accents. He was a member of the Banana Stand Republic team for the international online game Battle Nations."
He is survived by his parents, Robert J. Hunter Jr. and Debra Haines Kiser; his sister, Jessica Nicole Hunter; his paternal grandmother, Helen Hunter; and his longtime girlfriend, Devin Williamson; and many other relatives.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. His funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. at Dangler Funeral Home. Internment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 145 Mount Airy Road, Basking Ridge.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in his memory. More information is available on the funeral home's website.
Lost a very good friend of mine a few nights ago Jamie Hunter , he was great friend and a good man and the happiness person I know.
-- Alexander Aversano (@alex_aversano91) December 10, 2015
Jamie me and Joe pic.twitter.com/SLX1UI4bTg
-- Alexander Aversano (@alex_aversano91) December 10, 2015
Saddened to announce that Jamie Hunter,member of the 2012 team, lost his life in a tragic automobile accident last night. Rest in Peace Bear
-- Morris Baseball (@CCMBaseball) December 10, 2015
Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
