James "Jim" F. Glunt, Jr.

James “Jim” F. Glunt, Jr., 80, of Martinsburg, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at UPMC Altoona Hospital. He was born in Cresson, eldest child of James F., Sr. and Dorothy L. (Sweeney) Glunt. Jim married Jill (Pike) Glunt on April 20, 1974.

Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Robert. Surviving is his wife, Jill; three children: Sherri, Jay, and Tod; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings: Gerald, Eileen, Judithanne (Tom) and Cathy (Joe).

Jim attended St. Mary John grade school in Cresson and was a member of the first graduating class (1963) of Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg. After a brief stint in construction labor post high school, he studied sociology and related fields at St. Francis College in Loretto. He completed his bachelor studies in 1967 with a degree in sociology and a social studies secondary teaching certificate. While at St. Francis, he volunteered in a religious and social program with institutionalized patients at state facilities. During his junior and senior years of college, he was the student leader for that program: Student Action Program.

After teaching social studies in the Cleveland Public School System (1967-69), Jim returned to Central Pennsylvania, joining the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation as a rehabilitation counselor. While working at BVR, he completed several graduate level courses in counseling and psychology at the Pennsylvania State University.

In 1977 Jim left BVR and began self-employment as a horseshoer after having completed the horseshoeing short course at the Pennsylvania State University. Shortly he assumed the role of proprietor of the horseback riding stable at Bedford Springs Hotel in Bedford. He continued shoeing horses part-time throughout his career. While at Bedford Springs, Jim also held other part-time jobs.

After approximately ten years in Bedford, Jim accepted the position of Horsemanship Director at YMCA Camp Tippecanoe in Tippecanoe, Ohio, a branch of the Canton Area YMCA. After two years as Horsemanship Director, he was promoted to Executive Director while retaining control of the horse program. Jim frequently said that his role as Executive at the Y camp was the most rewarding, most challenging, and most demanding job of his career.

Jim left the YMCA in 1998, and after a brief time with a fraternal organization, started Jim Glunt Equine Services. Services offered included all types of support (staff training, horsemanship instruction, and program and risk management consultation) plus horseshoeing and saddle repair for organized horseback riding programs. Most recently, he worked part-time as a Case Manager for the Bedford County Drug and Alcohol Agency (Personal Solutions) while continuing his service to horsemanship organizations. Jim's vocational choices usually merged his interest in human services and horsemanship. He had an appreciation and respect for both people and horses and so, such work ideally suited him.

Throughout his horse career, Jim was involved with the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). The organization was formed years ago to provide safety and effective instruction in horse programs. Jim functioned as a board member of CHA for years and also served a term as board President. Through CHA, he was certified as a horsemanship clinician, riding instructor, packing guide, site visitor trainer, and facility management trainer.

Jim was also a member of the American Camp Association, the Pennsylvania Equine Council, and the American Quarter Horse Association. Additionally, he served as president of the Owego Hunting Club, a sportsmen group started in 1936 by Jim's grandfather and others.

A member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church - Roaring Spring, Jim served his parish in several ways over the years - as Eucharist Minister and as a member of both the Parish Council and the Parish Finance Committee.

Although Jim had strong opinions on politics, social justice, and horses, his mind was open to all viewpoints. Additionally, he enjoyed the outdoors, horse related activities, and family time. However, spending time with his wife, Jill, became the greatest pleasure of all.

Jim always felt an obligation to give back to the community for opportunities offered him. This usually took the form of volunteering in various ways. As previously noted, he volunteered in a program for institutionalized patients while in college. As a teacher, he helped with the Student World Affairs Council in Cleveland. He served his church in various ways over the years. Also, he served as a site visitor for both the American Camp Association and the Certified Horsemanship Association.

Jim was a lifelong reader with an active interest in current events. He was happiest when with loved ones sharing stories and laughing. He had certain priorities and principles that were most important to him. On the personal front, of primary interest to him were his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Professionally, he placed his highest priority on communication. Whether people or horses, Jim was always searching for a way to communicate more clearly and efficiently. Throughout his life Jim faced many challenges - personal, health, family, and work - he dealt with them all as best he could, following his belief in doing what is right and in the best interest of all concerned.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 4:30PM – 7:00PM at the Fink & Stone Funeral Home in Martinsburg. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00AM at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church – Roaring Spring; Father Allen Zeth officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery - Cresson.

Arrangements by Fink & Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.; Martinsburg.

www.finkandstonefh.com