James Oliver Hutchins

January 31, 1933 - October 22, 2019

James Hutchins passed away in Brinkley at the age of 86. He was born at the family home near Hunter. He was the third and last-born child of Albert and Uthie ((Reeves) Hutchins. He attended the Hunter School through tenth grade and then became a 1951 graduate of Brinkley High School.

He was drafted into the Army in 1952, and was stationed both at Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Bragg. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division and completed 58 jumps during his tour of duty. He later worked in the Engineer Corps until he was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal.

James was married on October 1, 1955 to Mary Ann Murray, and they were together for 64 years.

James served in the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1963 to 1965. During this time, he and three other airmen were instrumental in securing an aircraft during a hurricane in the Bahamas, saving millions of dollars of damage. For this deed, they received awards for going above and beyond the call of duty.

James enjoyed local deer hunting, bear hunting in Canada and Elk hunting in Wyoming. His favorite was hunting for prairie dogs and made three trips to New Mexico to enjoy the sport. He always loved to fish and greatly enjoyed deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

During his childhood James attended Hunter Baptist Church and during a revival he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in a bayou just west of his home in Hunter. He was faithful to attend church all of his life and was currently a member of Brinkley First Baptist Church.

James was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Roger Hutchins, great grandchild, Carter James Herron and one brother, Eugene Hutchins. Survivors include: wife Mary Ann Murray Hutchins of Brinkley; daughter Rhonda Bargery and husband, Leo, of Hernando, MS; and a sister, Alice Knight, of McCrory; grandchildren Dana Bargery and Justin Bargery and wife, Heather, all of Hernando, MS; great-grandchildren Scarlet Childress, Emma Bargery, and Sebastian Bargery.

Services were held at on October 26 at Brinkley First Baptist Church.