James Howard Hutchinson, 87, eighteen-year resident of Coupeville, died at Careage of Whidbey on August 23, 2005.

Mr. Hutchinson was born in New Albany, Ind., on Feb. 2, 1918. As a small child, he lived at an orphanage in Benson Springs, Fla. James entered the U.S. Army and served his country during World War II as a paratrooper in the South Pacific. He saw fighting in New Guinea, the Philippines and the Gulf of Leyte, where he was injured in action. James spent one and a half years in a military hospital. He was awarded three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. Following a medical discharge from the Army, James moved to Detroit where he joined the police department. He later moved to Lake Tahoe, Calif., where he was a deputy sheriff. 

James married Ruth Estelle Sanford in Squaw Valley, Calif. They resided in Tahoe City for many years. James and Ruth loved adventure, and took four-and-one-half years to “sea the world” by cruising the Pacific in their 42-foot sailboat. 

After sailing the South Pacific, James started his second career in Hawaii. He owned a jewelry business on Maui in the ‘70s and became one of Hawaii’s foremost gem cutters. He also enjoyed prospecting, fishing, animals, making stained glass creations and woodworking. James particularly enjoyed making wood toys and giving them to needy children. He was a member of the Coupeville United Methodist Church.

James is survived by his wife Ruth, at home; two sons, Steven Hutchinson and wife Alana of Coupeville and Dwight Hutchinson of Seattle; and two grandchildren, Shannon and Christopher of Coupeville.

A memorial service was held Sept. 1 at Coupeville United Methodist Church, Pastor Mary Boyd officiating. A private family committal will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery. Memorials may  be made to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O. Box 56, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.

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