James Hutton
January 11, 1948 — November 18, 2014
James Alan Huttonbetter known by his friends as "Jim," an inspiration to his children, "Papi Bear" to his grand-children, and "my best friend" to his wifepassed away, after 66-years, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014, surrounded by his family. This man, a master of the written prose, embodied those ideals of great mencourage, integrity, dedication, devotion, perseverance, patience, and faithbecoming a guiding beacon for his children and bedrock for his wife. It is often asked how one can describe the life of another in those times of despair, reflecting upon an immense lifetime of growth and triumph; yet, the measurement is simple. It is the legacy left behind by another, which imprints itself upon those it encounters, extending one's life metaphorically beyond the grave, everlasting in nature. For it is the legacy we so draw upon here, as a celebration of those lives touched by this man, James Alan Hutton, and his continuing legacy. He was a man of many talentssoldier, war veteran, journalist, teacher, son, husband, father, uncle and grand-father. His life began as all others do, simple and humble, fostered through the love of his parentsJames Arthur, Jr. and Louise Hutton of Independence, Missouri. In the fall of 1966, his life's journey led him east of his birthplaceto the land of "Truman the Tiger" and the columns of Jesse Hallwhere he honed his passion of writing at the University of Missouri, School of Journalism. In the midst of war in Vietnam, his devotion and passion for his country led him to a commission in the United States Army in the spring of 1970, which followed his graduation from the sacred halls of "Ol' Mizzou." As an infantry officer, he served in the 101st Airborne Division alongside other courageous men in the jungles of Vietnam. It was after the war that his journalistic skills were put to usefirst at the Amarillo Globe-News and second with the San Antonio Express-News. It was in this transition to San Antonio that his life changed. For in this city, he discovered the love of his life, Vickie, who gave him two children, Chris James and Jennifer, and 35-years of companionship. It would be critical to notea travesty if it should not have been that James Alan Hutton embodied "learning is life-long," when, following years of preparation, his efforts in the fall of 2002 earned him a master of arts in communications from the University of the Incarnate Word, becoming the first of his family to so achieve such a degree. Following his retirement from the San Antonio Express-News and a journalistic career that spanned more than 30-years, he pursued his second career as a special needs educator at Longs Creek Elementary School in North East Independent School District, strengthened by the recognition of those children outside of schoolthe simple fame of a teacher. It was in this pursuit he continued so up to his death. It is important to remark that James Alan Hutton found his Lord, Jesus Christ, in the jungles of Vietnam, instilled it in his children, and ended his Godly pursuits as a deacon at Madison Hills Baptist Church before leaving this earthly world for that heavenly place ruled by his Father. James Alan Hutton is survived by his wife, Vickie; his son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Tonya Hutton; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Michael Tudyk, and; his three grandchildren, Audrey, Adam and Neal. His visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Schertz Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 9:30 am on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at Madison Hills Baptist Church, and will be followed by a graveside service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:15 am. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Animal Defense League of Texas, as he was a fond admirer of those four-legged creatures.
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