James Lee Hutmaker

To the family of Mr. Jimmy,
I used to be in Excelsior a few times a week years ago.
Always honked and/or waved and or/called out "Hello Jimmy!" at Mr. Jimmy walking with his valise. And my greeting was always responded to.
And after my move away from the lake,whenever I was in downtown Excelsior, I'd always be on the lookout for the Honourable Lord Mayor of Excelsior.
The last time I was in Excelsior about a year or so ago I had decided that I was finally going to talk to Mr....

Jimmy,

You were the inspiration for the song “You can’t always get what you want” anyone that had the opportunity to know you understands this! When I heard your account of what happened I renamed the song "Mr. Jimmy". I will miss you as I drive into town and look around to see that you are now in a happier place. It has been a great feeling knowing that the town was safe as you walked your beat keeping a watchful eye on Excelsior. From the kid that grew up on Third Street I will never...

I used to stay with my Grandma & Grandpa a lot, who lived on Bell Street. My Grandma and I would walk up town almost every day, either after cleaning Mount Calvary Church, or just to go to Bacon Drug to 'poke around'. We would run in to Jimmy all the time. What a nice man. We would sit with him talk, talk talk. Grandma was a little leary of him at first, but when she saw how kind hearted he was to me (and her too), she really took a liking to him. He is a fond childhood memory of mine and...

I haven't lived in Minnesota for nearly 20 years, but I vividly remember Mr. Jimmy from my childhood on Lake Minnetonka. Whenver we made our shopping trips to Excelsior we would meet him on Main Street. He always had that sweet smile and happy aura. God bless you, Mr. Jimmy. You will be missed.

Not often does a whole community, as well as residents of nearby communities, have someone that everyone recognizes and loves. "Mr. Jimmy" was that man! Mr. Jimmy's presence taught me (and many people) a lesson in acceptance and love for others. I will be among the many who will miss his friendly face and greeting on the streets of Excelsior.
My sympathy is extended to his family and friends.

I lived in Excelsior for 10 years on the corner of 1st and Lake across from the tennis court with my wife. I had on several occassions had the pleasure of speaking with Mr Jimmy. I will miss him much. He is Mr Excelsior. My wife and I will attend the funeral. I hope to see everyone there, including Mick.

So many of us grew up with seeing Jimmy while growing up in Excelsior. It will not be the same knowing he will not be around the corner when I go through Excelsior next time. Thank you for the memories Jimmy as you are a person who left your imprint on many.

I worked at Bacon Drug many years ago and remember Mr. Jimmy. It was a pleasant suprise to return 20 years later and still find him walking (and later rolling) down the streets of Excelsior. There will never be another like him, he is already so deeply missed. Rest in peace, Jimmy .....

Jimmy was ever present as I grew up in Excelsior, I would talk to him at bacon drug, or while sitting outside my home at 161 west lake street.
Jimmy always had something to say, it could be about religion, or he would very often talk about Hector MN.
Jimmy has left me with fond thoughts of years gone past.
I just wonder if they will allow him to have his signiture cigar while he walks the streets of heaven?