Hutton, James Lawrence
James (Jim) Lawrence Hutton, 84, of Blacksburg passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2016. Born in Marion, VA to Hugh and Creola Hutton, Jim spent his childhood years in Damascas, VA.
He leaves his devoted wife of 58 years, Phyllis (Meade); his son, Christopher Todd Hutton, of Blacksburg; his daughter, Vicki Leigh Hutton, of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; and her companion, Rusty Vanneman. Jim is also survived by one brother, Joe, and his wife, Suzanne, of Abingdon, VA. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bobbie and Ron. Also surviving are sister-in-law Betty Hutton, from Chapel Hill, NC, and brother and sister-in-law Larry and Carole Meade, of Bristol, VA. Jim’s nieces and nephews include Kevin Meade and his daughter, Kaitlin Meade; Bethany (John) Martin; Ron Hutton; Cynthia Ferrell (Will) and their children, Alex, Kate, and Quinn; and Candice Wheeler (Michael) and their sons, Hutton and Jackson.
Jim was a veteran of the Korean War, where he was stationed in Orleans, France. After returning from service, he attended Emory & Henry, where he received his B.S. degree and was known around campus as “Big Cut.” He later served on Emory & Henry’s Board of Visitors. Jim attained his law degree from T.C. Williams Law School in Richmond, VA. Upon graduation, he joined the Pulaski law firm Gilmer, Sadler, Ingram, Sutherland & Hutton, where he served the Blacksburg/Montgomery County community as a satellite branch for 39 years. He also served as municipal judge for 5 years, earning the nickname, “The Judge.” Respected by his colleagues and clients, he was listed in the publication “Best Lawyers in America” and was chosen as a fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation. Jim served his community in many ways, including serving on the advisory board for the First National Bank (now Union). He was later elected to the board of directors and subsequently became chairman. An active member of Blacksburg Baptist Church, he served as a church trustee. He also served as chairman for the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He embraced life in the collegiate atmosphere of his community and loved all Virginia Tech sports, serving as a member of the Student Aid Association.
An avid fisherman, Jim often traveled to places such as his treasured Indian River in Melbourne, FL; the Snake River in Montana; and many rivers and streams in Virginia. He also loved to hunt, especially on his “farm” in Mt. Tabor. Jim’s summers were consumed with his passion for gardening with his wife.
The family extends its sincere thanks to the staff of Commonwealth Assisted Living (formerly Wheatland), Gentiva therapists, and Carilion Hospice.
A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at Blacksburg Baptist Church on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 2:00pm, with Dr. Tommy McDearis and Rev. Todd Millsaps officiating. A private family graveside service will be held in Westview Cemetery. Prior to the service, there will be a prelude of Jim’s favorite gospel music.
Visitation will be Sunday evening, November 6, 2016 from 5:00-7:00pm, at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr., SW, Blacksburg, VA 24060.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blacksburg Baptist’s “Land of Promise” fund (550 N. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060) or Carilion Clinic Hospice (701 Randolph St., Suite 110, Radford, VA 24141) or to the Blacksburg Rescue Squad, 1300 Progress Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060.