John Hunter, M.D.

It is with great sadness we announce that Dr. John Hunter passed away on May 29, 2024, in Sacramento, with his wife by his side. John was born on February 19, 1945, in Chicago and grew up in Evanston, Illinois. He graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin, after which he obtained his MD from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then moved to California for his post graduate training, and after serving 2 years with the U.S. Air Force Medical Corp, completed his residency in radiology at Saint Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco, followed by a skeletal radiology fellowship at UCSF.

Dr. Hunter began his practice in the South Bay, where he was Chief of Musculoskeletal Radiology at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. It was there that he developed a passion for teaching residents, including those at Stanford and UCSF. It was also there that he met his wife, Eva. His love of teaching led him to the University of Washington in Seattle, where he was Chief of Musculoskeletal Radiology at Harborview Medical Center. Eventually, his love of sun brought him back “home” to California, where he became Chief of Musculoskeletal Radiology at UC Davis in 2004, enjoying an extremely successful career for the next 16 years.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Bianca Hunter, father, John Hunter, and uncle, Vincent Pace. He is survived by his beloved wife Dr. Eva Escobedo, sister Carole (Mac) Engh, mother in-law Maria Escobedo, sisters-in-law Patricia Escobedo, Martha Escobedo, Bertha (Mike) Price, Cristina (Dan) Harder, brother in-law Albert (Kelly) Escobedo, and seven nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his two dogs, Levi and Baxter, who he loved dearly.

Dr. Hunter was a larger-than-life character, often commanding the room with his booming voice, and his amusing stories and anecdotes. He was loved and well-respected by his numerous colleagues, both locally and around the country, for his knowledge and contributions to his field. However, outside of work he was “just John” and was just as comfortable discussing technology, social issues, and world events as he was discussing the latest bad shark movie with his nephews. He took a genuine interest in people, making each one feel special. 

John loved his extended family, exhibited by his overwhelming generosity and hospitality. He was so supportive of his nieces and nephews, nurturing them and encouraging them as they pursued their goals in life, and was an inspiration to them. 

He was a huge dog lover. He enjoyed great wine and sharing it with friends and family. Unfortunately for his wife, he a was a fan of high-end cars, with each purchase being “the last he’d ever own”. He looked forward to poker nights with friends and watching bad movies.

John will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many residents and fellows who were fortunate to have been taught and mentored by him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those he touched.

For those that wish to donate in his memory, please consider a donation to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Sacramento SPCA, Canine Companions for Independence, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, or the Parkinson’s Foundation. A celebration of life will be held at UC Davis Medical Center on June 25th at 4pm.