James William Hutson passed on to his final reward and into the loving arms of his Lord and long awaiting relatives and friends on April 18, 2021.  He was born to Zearl Mondal Hutson and Ersie Drown Hutson on December 14, 1928, in Pineville, Arkansas.

He was 92 years old at his death.  He was raised in both the Presbyterian and Methodist faiths.  He graduated from Calico Rock High School in 1947.  As a young man, he worked at the local sawmill and traveled to Kansas for the wheat harvest to earn extra money.

He was a fast and accurate pitcher and tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals.  In July of 1948, James enlisted in the United States Air Force and received training in refrigeration and air conditioning.  He was stationed in Germany with the 86th INST squad and served in the military police while there.  James received the Berlin Airlift Device Medal for Humane Action.  He received his honorable discharge in July 1952.  He graduated from Draughon School of business and was employed by Simmons Cotton Company as a cotton grader and broker.  On December 30, 1954, he married Vela Mae Byram.  At his death, they had been married 66 years.  After Mr. Simmons's retirement, he established Hutson Cotton Company, Inc.  James traveled extensively throughout Arkansas, west Texas, and the Carolinas with his business, gaining knowledge about the areas along the way.  After James retired, he loved to garden, fish, walk, and read.  He considered himself a rock hound.  Later in life, he could be found in his chair reading one of his many books, the newspaper or the World Book Encyclopedia.  James played many roles in our lives.  He was a brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and a unique character. Through his reading and travels, he gained much knowledge on many subjects.  He seemed to know or have an opinion about a wide range of topics.

James is survived by his wife, Vela, his daughter, Linda Bridges (Garry) of Osceola, Arkansas, his grandchildren, Samantha Elizabeth Bridges of Miami, Florida, and James Michael Bridges of Albuquerque, New Mexico, his sister, Mondalyn Caldwell McCormack of Calico Rock, Arkansas, special nephew, Kenny Hutson (Liz) of Mountain View, Arkansas, his caring neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Caton, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Blain and Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Henry Hays and many other relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Zearl and Ersie Hutson, his brother, Cecil Hutson, and his sister, Merle Grove.

Memorials may be sent to First National Bank of Izard County

Spring Creek Cemetery Fund

P. O. Box 690 / 2184 AR Highway 56

Calico Rock, Arkansas  72519

Graveside funeral service will be Sunday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Spring Creek Cemetery in Calico Rock, Arkansas under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock, Arkansas.

Memorials may also be sent to the church or charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of kindness, love, and help in James' journey home.