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. I rode around for a good long time but didn't see him. After reading what others have so kindly related about him, I regret I didn't take the opportunity years ago.
My inaction is my great loss.
Mr. Jimmy will be missed.

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 forget the respect you showed for everyone. May God Bless you Jimmy!

Greg and Sara Knapp (Oakdale, MN)

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 Excelsior legend. So sorry to hear of his passing.

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?

tiny bubbles was your dad's song and your family has touched my life more then you know, rest in peace jimmy may and your memory leave on becase i will remmenber your dad and you and ozzy.love jess

jimmy,
you will never be forgotten and your bother and ozzy loved you and so did mable.ralph and you are at peace and if you listen closely you willl hear tiny bubbbles being sung luve to all the hutmaker left jessica taylor

To me Jimmy's legacy will NOT be words to a Rolling Stone's song but rather a small town's acceptance, patience, and tolerance of a kind, gentle soul who traveled just a beat off center. When our daughter was small, he always had some sweet words for her. He delighted her, because he talked to "his invisible friend and real people, too." I don't get into Excelsior as often as I used to, but I will miss seeing him with his stogie meandering down the sidewalks. Rest in peace, Mr. Jimmy.

I used to spend summers in Excelsior at my grandmother's house. Jimmy was always downtown walking about. I don't think he had any idea who I was but he was always the first to to say "Hello, Beautiful Day, Beautiful Day". Life never seemed very complicated for Jimmy.

Being from Excelsior a good portion of our lives, my family was well known to Jimmy and he always let us know he remembered us throughout the years. His presence will be greatly missed. He was "Excelsior."
Kim (Force) Clark and family

Jan and I lived next door to Papa Dick, Grandma Mable and Jimmy on Third Street in Excelsior for 16 years. As someone else has already stated Jimmy was Excelsior. We will have many fond memories of the Hutmaker family for the rest of our lives. Now that Jimmy has passed over the river he must be excited to be reunited with all of his family.

Having been on the Fire Department for 14 of the 16 years in Excelsior I can say that the Fire Department appreciated Jimmy's humor and talent. Jimmy will be missed.

With deepest sympathy

Jan and Roger Hornick
Sarasota, Florida

Excelsior has lost a legend. The town will not be the same without Jimmy's smile and nod. Mick Jagger knew it too- Jimmy was special.

Mr. Jimmy was the nicest man. If you ever drove through Excelsior you would see Mr. Jimmy. Rest in Peace!

Excelsior just won't be quite the same anymore without Jimmy. He didn't just live there, he WAS Excelsior.