James William “Hutch” Hutchins, 82, of Orange, Texas, passed away on December 27, 2022, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas.
A gathering will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Monday, January 2, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas.
Born in Wesson, Mississippi on May 21, 1940, he was the son of William J. Hutchins and Mattie L. Hutchins. His family later settled in Port Arthur, TX where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School. He dedicated his life to service. Hutch served in the 3rd Armored Division of the United States Army in Kirch-Gons, Germany. Upon returning home, he worked as a police officer for the city of Port Athur. After his service to the Port Athur Police Department, he transitioned to a job at Gulf Oil Company. He later served in the United States Marshall Service. He dedicated numerous years of service to the Lions Club of Orange, where his favorite way of giving back was operating the “Scrambler” at their annual carnival. He was also a member and leader in the Boys Scouts of America. Hutch was an avid fan of flying airplanes, telling stories of his time in Germany, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles and was an outdoors and gun enthusiast. Hutch never missed an event for his children or grandchildren and was proud to be a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by wife, Maureen Hutchins; parents, William J. Hutchins and Mattie L. Hutchins; sister, Evon Smith; and nephews, William R. Merendino and Kevin W. Girourd.
He is survived by his two sons, Todd Trawhon and wife, Trema, and Troy Trawhon and wife, Leigh-ann; grandchildren, Mackenzie Burleigh and husband, Casey, Claire Harvey and husband, Nicholas, Pate Arena and girlfriend, Morgan Gitter, Drake Trawhon and fiancée, Jaden Lewis, and Conner Trawhon; great-grandchildren, Briggs Burleigh and Luna Harvey; sisters, Frankie L. Merendino, Cathy M. Clark and husband Leon; and nieces and nephews, Kenneth D. Coshman, Tammy L. Stutzenburg, Cynthia M. LaPointe, Sandra F. Harvey, Tina M. Truett, Tracy A. Stewart, Stacy L. Boudreaux, and Brian E. Girourd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity or organization of your choice.