James J. Hutchinson

James Jay Hutchinson of St. Joseph went home to be with his Lord on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.

He was 73 when he passed away unexpectedly in Grand Rapids, Mich., from complications of a heart condition.

Jay was a loving, easygoing man known for his faith and humor.

He was born in Bowling Green, Ohio, on April, 7 1950, to Carlton and Grace (Detweiler) Hutchinson. His formative years were spent in Ohio. He later moved to Michigan, where he graduated from Dexter High School in 1968.

He married Marla Jean Field on Aug. 21, 1971; they were loving companions for 52 years.

In 1972, he graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a major in psychology and a minor in music. Jay later went on to study at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. He pursued his interest in Jewish studies and the intertestamental period at Andrews University. His highest degree was a master's in educational leadership from Western Michigan. He taught special education in Benton Harbor Area Schools for 24 years. Prior to teaching, he founded a preschool, Kiddie Kollege, in Ann Arbor.

He briefly pastored the Free Methodist Church of Benton Harbor. He also established Jay Hutchinson Painting and Decorating, a business he continued for many years. After retiring from teaching, he worked as an office manager for his wife's private practice, Beacon Counseling.

Jay, an avid reader, had a passion for lifelong learning that was reflected in his many interests and hobbies, including bird-watching and other various nature studies, woodworking, and learning languages such as Greek, Hebrew and German. He was an accomplished pianist, and music was a big part of his life.

Those who knew him, knew his faith was the guiding principle in his life. He was a member of The Chapel in St. Joseph since 1983. He was involved in leadership of Steven Ministries. Jay was a gifted encourager, demonstrating mercy and compassion. He was a great listener who loved to interact with people from all walks of life.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Marla; two children: Allisa (Arthur Andrew) Savery of Galena, Ohio, and James Matthew (Jennifer) Hutchinson of Grand Rapids; three grandchildren: Annajean Grace Savery, Arthur Josiah Savery, and Alaina Savery; three siblings: Cheryl (Ron) Perrine, Durward Hutchinson, Linda Bailey (Bill Winans) and sister-in-law, Nancy Schulz Hutchinson; and a niece, several nephews and their families, and special family friends, Adrianne Marshall and Olivia Corbray.

His family and friends will miss his endearing and unique spirit. A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at The Chapel, 4250 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Corey Kugle officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 at The Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www. starks-menchinger.com.