James Winford Hunt. Born in present Oklahoma, James Winford Hunt grew up on the Texas High Plains. A newspaper publisher for several years, he became a Methodist minister in 1903. While a pastor in Abilene, he convinced the Northwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Church to build a college in the town. The school, McMurry College, opened in 1923 with Dr. Hunt as president. Known widely for his writings and sermons, he became a successful Christian educator. Texas Sesquincentennial 1836-1986. #2740