Obituary for James Joseph "Jim" Hutchinson
James Joseph “Jim” Hutchinson, 72, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2020. He was born in Huntington, WV to the late Kenneth Paul Hutchinson and Virginia Hutchinson, but was raised by his father and stepmother, Alma Hutchinson whom he considered his “Mom”. He served his country faithfully retiring after 27 years in the U.S. Navy although never thought of himself as a hero, he was doing his job. Even though he served during the Vietnam War, he always felt that his brother KP, US Marine, deserved the Vietnam Veteran title. His brother was killed in action and a Silver Star Recipient. Jim always played down the good things he would do, because that is just what you did for someone, your best. His long battle with cancer has been an 11-year journey that he took in his stride. He knew he still had people to assist with their Medicare and drug plans and he was going to be here to help them. Ironic that he loses his battle during open enrollment, the Jimites will understand that.
After retiring from the Navy, concerned his knees could not do 4 more years on an aircraft carrier, he finished his college degree working nights. Worked for Medicare.com and then found his second work home at Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. He worked for and worked with many wonderful folks, like Evie Angelique, Marcellus Heath, Rhoda Stillman, Ann Marie Kopitzke, Brenda Brothers Lawrence Millie Dickens and Cathy Spriggs. With apologies, I know I'll have forgotten someone. His best buddy was Marcellus who worked for him at SSSEVA. He visited and advocated for Marcellus for years after his stroke. He loved the deep conversation they would get into and how they could talk about anything.
After reluctantly leaving SSSEVA because he just couldn't do the job to his best and continue his chemotherapy, he went to work with Cecil Jenkins (a onetime SSSEVA board member). I remember Cecil telling Jim that he could not let his vast Medicare knowledge go to waste. So, Jim was able to continue his counseling folks with their Medicare needs. He will be missed by so many that came back to him and brought family members to him for Medicare help. Jim was even doing Medicare workshop for the City of Chesapeake, He had one scheduled for tomorrow.
Jim loved being a part of the International Thunderbird Club, with the many fun conventions around the country and loved his T-Bird. He also enjoyed being a part of the USS Yorktown Reunion group, he was there for her Commissioning and there to see her decommissioned. An extraordinary journey. Also enjoyed mixing it up with the USS Caloosahatchee Reunion Group and their many salty tales.
Jim was a lifelong Sci-Fi fan. He was a proud geek even before being a geek was cool. He installed that love of geekiness in his daughter by letting her stay up late on Saturday nights to watch Elvira Mistress of the Dark on my old black and white TV. He loved all science fiction, but his favorites were Star Wars, Star Trek, and Harry Potter. He loved to go to conventions and meet all the celebrities and talk with them about their movies and TV shows. His absolute favorite celebrity was Bruce Boxleitner. He would rave about how generous and just a delight Bruce was to talk with, and Jim never missed an opportunity to meet him at any convention he was at. Jim also talked about how Edward James Olmos had hands the size of baseball mitts, but they were also the softest hands he ever had the pleasure to shake. Jim and Stephen Furst, who was a Hampton Roads native, had a long conversation reminiscing about the local area. On more than one occasion Jim was mistaken for comic creator Stan Lee. He would say, "I don't know why they think I'm Stan Lee, Stan has more hair!"
Although he was battling cancer, he still managed to make two pilgrimages to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He walked around, drank Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice, ate at the Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks, and just soaked in the Wizarding World.
Jim’s memory will be cherished by his beloved wife of 49 years, Cindy S. Hutchinson; his two wonderful children, Nathan Hutchinson, a journalist In Kentucky and Sara Hutchinson who owns the Virginia Beach Frame Shop here in town. They both got their work ethic from their father and their good looks from me! We were also blessed to add Jeannie, Nathan's wife to the family and of course you all have heard of our talented dancing granddaughter; Hannah Hutchinson.
Truly a life well spent in the service of his country, family, friends, and neighbors. Jim no longer needs your prayers, but our family could certainly use them.
Due to concerns with Covid-19, we have decided to wait and do a celebration of life for Jim later, possibly on his birthday in February. Jim would never want anyone to be harmed by attending a service for him....so many of us are vulnerable. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and take the opportunity to share a memory, photo, or offer words of encouragement during these trying times.
After retiring from the Navy, concerned his knees could not do 4 more years on an aircraft carrier, he finished his college degree working nights. Worked for Medicare.com and then found his second work home at Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. He worked for and worked with many wonderful folks, like Evie Angelique, Marcellus Heath, Rhoda Stillman, Ann Marie Kopitzke, Brenda Brothers Lawrence Millie Dickens and Cathy Spriggs. With apologies, I know I'll have forgotten someone. His best buddy was Marcellus who worked for him at SSSEVA. He visited and advocated for Marcellus for years after his stroke. He loved the deep conversation they would get into and how they could talk about anything.
After reluctantly leaving SSSEVA because he just couldn't do the job to his best and continue his chemotherapy, he went to work with Cecil Jenkins (a onetime SSSEVA board member). I remember Cecil telling Jim that he could not let his vast Medicare knowledge go to waste. So, Jim was able to continue his counseling folks with their Medicare needs. He will be missed by so many that came back to him and brought family members to him for Medicare help. Jim was even doing Medicare workshop for the City of Chesapeake, He had one scheduled for tomorrow.
Jim loved being a part of the International Thunderbird Club, with the many fun conventions around the country and loved his T-Bird. He also enjoyed being a part of the USS Yorktown Reunion group, he was there for her Commissioning and there to see her decommissioned. An extraordinary journey. Also enjoyed mixing it up with the USS Caloosahatchee Reunion Group and their many salty tales.
Jim was a lifelong Sci-Fi fan. He was a proud geek even before being a geek was cool. He installed that love of geekiness in his daughter by letting her stay up late on Saturday nights to watch Elvira Mistress of the Dark on my old black and white TV. He loved all science fiction, but his favorites were Star Wars, Star Trek, and Harry Potter. He loved to go to conventions and meet all the celebrities and talk with them about their movies and TV shows. His absolute favorite celebrity was Bruce Boxleitner. He would rave about how generous and just a delight Bruce was to talk with, and Jim never missed an opportunity to meet him at any convention he was at. Jim also talked about how Edward James Olmos had hands the size of baseball mitts, but they were also the softest hands he ever had the pleasure to shake. Jim and Stephen Furst, who was a Hampton Roads native, had a long conversation reminiscing about the local area. On more than one occasion Jim was mistaken for comic creator Stan Lee. He would say, "I don't know why they think I'm Stan Lee, Stan has more hair!"
Although he was battling cancer, he still managed to make two pilgrimages to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. He walked around, drank Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice, ate at the Leaky Cauldron and Three Broomsticks, and just soaked in the Wizarding World.
Jim’s memory will be cherished by his beloved wife of 49 years, Cindy S. Hutchinson; his two wonderful children, Nathan Hutchinson, a journalist In Kentucky and Sara Hutchinson who owns the Virginia Beach Frame Shop here in town. They both got their work ethic from their father and their good looks from me! We were also blessed to add Jeannie, Nathan's wife to the family and of course you all have heard of our talented dancing granddaughter; Hannah Hutchinson.
Truly a life well spent in the service of his country, family, friends, and neighbors. Jim no longer needs your prayers, but our family could certainly use them.
Due to concerns with Covid-19, we have decided to wait and do a celebration of life for Jim later, possibly on his birthday in February. Jim would never want anyone to be harmed by attending a service for him....so many of us are vulnerable. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and take the opportunity to share a memory, photo, or offer words of encouragement during these trying times.