Section: 322 Lot: 108 Grave: 1

Obituary

James J. “Jim” Hutson, 72, of Burlington died on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
Jim was born on July 31, 1948 in Ft. Madison, Iowa to Floyd and Kathryn (Peck) Hutson. He was raised on the family farm in Niota, Illinois. Jim married Dianna Graham Dickey on January 26, 1990 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jim graduated from Nauvoo Colusa High School in 1966. He worked at G.E. for 37 years mostly in the maintenance department. He was thrilled to take early retirement when it was offered to him, but he complained “humorously” about never getting any vacation days after that. Jim had a great sense of humor and if you were ever teased by him than that meant he considered you his friend. Jim was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
When Jim was young, he liked to drag race his 1928 Plymouth Coupe that he had named Dragula. In more recent years he liked to display it at local car shows and drive it on “Cruise Night” and scare people with its loud pipes. He also liked playing pool, boating on the Mississippi River, and riding his Harley motorcycle. Jim liked deer hunting until one day he decided that he was “too old to sit in a tree all day”. Jim enjoyed coaching his sons when they were in Little League. He was also their head pit crew boss when they were involved in motocross, four-wheel racing, truck pulls, and Harley drag racing. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren in some of their activities whenever he could.
Jim is survived by his wife Dianna; three sons, Jimmy (Shawna) Hutson of Wever, IA, Jason Hutson (girlfriend Erica Daughters and her children, Wyatt and Kyhlie) of Montrose, IA, and Jerry (Bridgitt) Hutson of Niota, IL; one step-daughter, Lindsay Dickey and one step-son, Jesse Dickey both of Burlington; two sisters, Patricia Bahns of Kentwood, MI and Judy (Willie) Albert of Peoria, IL; one brother, Bill (Marcia)Hutson of Niota, IL; five grandchildren, Justin, Malley, Tylar, Daegan, and Marissa Hutson; one step-grandson Jasper Dickey; his aunt Polly Hutson of Dallas City, IL; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins. On his wife’s side of the family Jim is survived by one sister-in-law, Annette Miller; two brothers-in-law, Larry (Lu Ann) Graham, Billy (Shainna) Graham, all of Burlington and his wife’s nieces and nephews and many other extended family members. Jim also had many wonderful friends and his two “best buddies” his dogs, Leo and Roxie and even some house cats that he could tolerate a little bit.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal and paternal grandparents; his brother, Stanley Hutson; his nephew, Matt Hutson; his nephew-in-law, Jim Harris, his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Lois Graham; three brothers-in-law, Zane, Harold, and Tom; and several favorite aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jim did not want a “fancy funeral” or for people to spend their “hard earned” money on flowers or memorials for him. He said he’d rather people help out others with their time, talents, or treasures. Jim tried to live this way whenever he could and he also was very appreciative of all the friends and relatives who “stepped up” to help him and his family through fires, floods, a tornado, and when his brother Stan and his nephew Matt who were both farmers died at such young ages and people around the Niota community came to help with all the farm work that had to be done. That kindness really touched Jim deeply.
The family would still appreciate any online condolences or traditional sympathy cards directed to any family member. The family would like to thank all the medical staff from Burlington and Iowa City and the Burlington E.M.T.’s and especially the Home Health Care nurses who all took such good care of Jim. Your skills, hard work and dedication are truly the best we could ever ask for and we are very grateful to each and every one of you. We also want to thank all our friends and family for your offers of help and support. We will probably continue to need your help for a while because it’s going to be very difficult without Jim. We all depended on him so much.
It gives us great comfort to know that before Jim passed away, he made a statement of his belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He said that he knew that Jesus had died on the cross to save him from his sins and that he knew that he would be going to heaven when he died. Praise God.
Friends may call noon - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 10th at Lunning Chapel. Family will be present 4:00 -6:00 p.m. to receive friends. Family and friends are invited to gather at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 11th at Lunning Chapel. Processional to Aspen Grove Cemetery for a graveside prayer service will follow.