James Douglas Hutchens left those who love him on Friday, May 26 at his home in Paris, Texas. He was born on August 10, 1938, in Clarksville, Texas to John Douglas Hutchens and Jimmie Louise Gullion Hutchens. James spent his early life in and around Clarksville and Fulbright. He attended Clarksville schools and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1956.
On September 22, 1961, James married Mary Ruth Huber in Waco, Texas. They were blessed to have three children, son, James Drew, and daughters, Nancy Lynn, and Rebecca Elizabeth.
In 1957 James began a career with Beltone. He was a hearing aid man. This career took him from Dallas to Waco back to Dallas and finally to Paris where he and Mary owned Hutchens Hearing Aid Service for many years.
James enjoyed restoring old Chevy trucks and Ford Mustangs. He was also a skilled carpenter. His automobile restorations and his carpentry work reflected an eye for detail. He was also an avid fisherman. He had a knack for knowing exactly where to cast his beetlespin to land the big one. He could tell a fish tale.
James was loyal. Once you were his friend, you were his friend. His “fellas” held a special place in his life. They were there with him through thick and thin.
In November of 2000, Mary preceded him in death. As luck would have it, he became reacquainted with an old school friend, Shelby Crawford. In December of 2002, they were married in Austin, Texas. With Shelby came three sons, David, Mark, and Steve. Shelby also reacquainted him with Betty and Max Hardee.
Other than his wife Mary, James was preceded in death by his father, John Douglas Hutchens; his mother, Jimmie Louise Ham; his stepfather, E.D. “Buster” Ham; his sisters, Wanda Lou Monzingo Boen and husband, J.V., and Barbara Ann Raulston and husband Morris (Tootsie); his son-in-law, Don Russell; and his great-grandson, Coby Don Russell-McDonald; and his sister-in-law, Linda Hammer.
His memory lives on through his wife, Shelby, his children, son Drew and wife Tamra, daughter Nancy, daughter Rebecca and husband, Dev, and Shelby’s sons, David and wife Patty, Mark and wife Terri, and Steve and wife LeAnn. He is also survived by his grandchildren Christopher, Stephanie, Trent, Ashley, Daniel, Laura, Tyler, Keragahn, and Bailey. James is survived by a growing number of great-grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, many who affectionately call him Uncle Bud. Paul Hammer, his oldest, dearest friend also survives him.
“…when a lovely flame dies, smoke gets in your eyes.”
Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30th at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Russell officiating. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
