James Allen Hutchings

James Allen Hutchings (Jim), 79, of Salida, died May 6, 2021 peacefully at home. Jim was born Nov. 15, 1941 in Portsmouth, Virginia to Marion and Clyde Hutchings.

He was raised in Barrington, Illinois where he graduated from Barrington High School, and then continued his education, earning his degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Jim was an earth science teacher and assistant football coach for several years, and during that time he met and fell in love with his wife, Kay, who just happened to be the history teacher at the same school. Later, Jim joined his father in the family water well drilling business, Martin Jurs and Son of Barrington.

On June 29, 1968 Jim married Marian “Kay” Natorp, his wife of 53 years. Together they worked and raised their family while living in McHenry, Illinois, then moved to Salida in 1995, where they continued their love of life and the outdoors.

Those who knew Jim found a listener, a friend, a teacher, an opera lover, a business owner, a singing tenor, a good sport, an encourager, and a kind, often funny, and always honorable man, all of which earned him the love and respect of so many.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kay, their children, Amy Hutchings (fiancé Chris Lyons) of Arvada, and Emily Cadwell (Todd) of Arvada; four grandchildren, James and Luke Clanton, and Addison and Makenna Cadwell; a sister, Bonnie Sheehan (William) of Berthoud, and a brother, David Hutchings (Jennifer) of Sedalia, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, May 15 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 7 Poncha Blvd., Salida. The service will also be live streamed on the church’s website. The service will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Scout Hut, 210 E Sackett Ave., Salida, (both locations following COVID-19 restrictions).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Salida’s First Presbyterian Church, or to one’s favorite charity. Arrangements were assisted by Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home, Salida, Colorado.

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