James Emmett “Jim” Hutchison, 76, of El Dorado Springs, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2021, at Big Spring Care Center, Humansville. He was born in rural Vernon County on July 5, 1944, the second of four children of Charles (Buck) and Katherine Hutchison, Schell City. He graduated from Schell City High School Class of 1963.

Jim, along with his wife, Arlene, raised their children to work hard and be thankful for what they had. On many occasions, an evening meal was entirely grown or raised on the farm; this was the reward of hard work shared by the family. During his lifetime, Jim worked in a variety of occupations: factory work, construction, farming, and raising livestock. He was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in Vernon County in the mid 1970s. His passion for livestock was evident with a pasture full of Hereford cattle, a hog lot of Hampshire, Chester Whites and Durocs and a barnyard with quarter horses, along with his buckskin, Buck-O and Australian shepherds, Booger and Digger. He made memories with his children as he taught them to drive a stick shift, haul hay, and corral cattle on horseback, as well as hunt and fish. These experiences were taught to grandchildren with a new pride as “Grandpa” and “Pops.”

Jim was married to Arlene Gayle Balk of Walker on Sept. 21, 1963. They had seven children: Kenya (Lea), Tanya (Toppie), Shawna (Charli), Brandon (Bud), Quinton (Jac), Gavon (Gator), and Janea (Nea). They were married for 56 years until the passing of Arlene in 2019.

Survivors include children (spouse): Kenya (Justin) Lear, Tanya (Mike) Morin, Charli Hutchison (Kelly Michael), Bud (GiGi) Hutchison, Jac (Mandi) Hutchison, and Gator (Tammy) Hutchison; grandchildren: Talene (Sasha) Lewton, Austin Lear, Damon Fisk, Jalyn Lear, Katelyn Thomas, Cory (Whitney) Gayman, Marc (Michelle) Morin, Trey (Bella) Gayman, Lakyn (Jared) Fuller, Nicole (Chris) Coleman, Rhett (Jake) Bellon, Rheed Rook, Kash Rook, Ethan, Dipika, and Slade Hutchison, Kolton (Brittany) Hutchison, Kanen Hutchison, Kyler Hutchison, and Landon Hutchison; great- grandchildren: Emma, Madi, Aurora, Joseph, Morley, Renn, Aidan, Ali, Maximus, Dylan, CJ, Logan, Braysen, Owen, Courtney, Austin, Adelyn, Evie, and Quade; his brother, Walter (Ruth Ann) Hutchison; sisters, Blanche (Danny) Williams, Marye Kay (Jerry Lynn) Sanderson; in-laws, Annette Balk, Vernille and Donald Cubbage, and Roenna Balk; closely bonded nephew Doug Reynolds; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Jim in death were his wife, Arlene Hutchison; parents, Charles (Buck) and Katherine Hutchison; and infant daughter, Janea Tschannen Hutchison

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, at the Church of God (Holiness) in El Dorado Springs under the direction of Bland Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

In memory of Jim, the family requests that anyone coming to the service wear a mask and socially distance as much as possible due to COVID-19.

Online condolences can be left at: blandhackleman@yahoo.com.

Facebook Comments