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James Hudson Obituary
A native of Hendersonville, N.C., Mr. Hudson was born July 18, 1929, the only child of the late Ernest and Lonnie Freeman Hudson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, June Hudson Grell.
He was a graduate of Wofford College where he played football, gaining many friendships that he held for the rest of his life. After serving his country as an Army Sergeant, he coached at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind where he was honored as Coach of the Year. He then came to Athens to attend law school where he coached the freshmen line at the University of Georgia under Coach Wally Butts and also scouted for the San Francisco Forty-Niners. He earned his LLB degree in 1958.
He was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1958 and practiced law in Athens for the next 50 years, retiring in July of 2007 from his law firm of Hudson, Montgomery and Kalivoda. He was proud to have been a trial lawyer throughout all those years. His philosophy was always that it was his duty to provide a service for all who needed it. He zealously provided that service whether he were representing the wronged plaintiff or the downtrodden defendant. Mr. Hudson was highly regarded and revered as a consummate professional. The mere mention of his name would bring recognition and a smile and possibly some anecdote as to how one had been favorably treated or represented by him. He was known as a Southern gentleman and is fondly remembered as addressing men and women alike as "Baby," making everyone seem special, endearing him to all. He will be missed.
He was a founding member and past Vestryman of St. Stephens Anglican Catholic Church. He was also a member and past president of the Western Judicial Circuit Bar Association and was a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.
He was a member of the Hendersonville High School Alumni Association, the Georgia Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Fraternity, the Wofford Terrier Club, the Gridiron Secret Society, Touchdown Club of Athens, H.J.J. Cobb Camp 97 of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and Amity Lodge No. 731 Free and Accepted Masons. He was a lifetime member of the Western North Carolina Air Museum, EAA, AOPA and was co-founder of the Bill Malone Society.
He was a friend of Bill W. and spent many years in faithful service.
He is survived by two daughters, Elaine Hudson (Mike) Tillman of Athens, Ga., and Elizabeth "Binky" Hudson Pienaar of Flat Rock, N.C.; and one son, James Ernest "Jamie" (Melanie) Hudson Jr. of Bogart, Ga. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Robert Christopher Grell of San Rafael, Calif., Amber Hudson and Charlotte Hudson of Bogart, Ga.; and his longtime dear friend and companion, Denise Vickery.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 15, 2010, at 11 a.m. at St. Stephens Anglican Catholic Church, 800 Timothy Road, Athens, Ga., with Father Jonathan Foggin and Father Bob Jones officiating, and burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Bridges Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements where the family will receive friends on Thursday, January 14, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. ñ 8 p.m.
The family extends special thanks to all his caregivers. Memorials may be made to St. Stephens Anglican Catholic Church, 800 Timothy Road, Athens, Ga.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Hudson
Susan Surrency
January 22, 2010
A great man that will be deeply missed.
Harry Rice
January 19, 2010
As many have said, a true Southern Gentleman who will be greatly missed.
I'll always remember the time he showed up for our Kirkin' in full Scottish regalia.
I treasure the time I had to spend with him and the knowledge he had to give.
Ron Cooner
January 18, 2010
I only met this man twice and realized he was a friend....
Robert Hale
January 17, 2010
Jim was a long time Southern Friend of mine and Compatriot of the Brig. Gen. Thomas Reads Roots (T.R.R.Cobb) Camp # 97 Sons of Confederate Veterans. A very proud Southerner. We at Camp # 97 will deeply miss him. His duty here on earth is done, may he rest in peace. God bless and keep his family.
Trina Lawrence
January 16, 2010
Dear Elaine,
I remember how fondly you spoke of your dad, and from reading the guest book entries, I can tell that he was a remarkable man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Love, Trina
Randy Kellum
January 16, 2010
I have always admired Jim and his caring and concern for others. I was having lunch with him one day and an old friend stopped by to speak with him. One of the folks I was with leaned over to me and explained that the person speaking to Jim as very important. Jim heard that comment. After he finished his conversation with his friend he turned and said "everyone is important". That is the way Jim viewed and treated all. We will miss you Jim!
January 15, 2010
I enjoyed knowing Jim. I am sorry to hear of
his death. He surely is one of those people
who made the world a better place.
David Quarterman
Kathy Tate
January 15, 2010
Jim Hudson was one of a kind. He truly cared about people. As someone said, "It didn't matter if you were the Governor or the homeless, he cared." He will be greatly missed by all. Jim was a compassionate person and he made it real with his acts of kindness.
My condolences,
Kathy Tate
the family of HT Tommy Huff
January 15, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
SARA & JOHNNY SMITH
January 15, 2010
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ELAINE AND HER FAMILY
Jerry Massey
January 14, 2010
I first me Mr Jim in 1968 when I was first stationed in Athens at Post 32. I discovered very quickly who was "THE LAWYER" in town and from that time on He was my friend and supporter. Even when you were on the other side, which I was 99% of the time, he always treated us with respect. He was never too busy to talk to me and was always there for us when we needed him and we helped him when we could. Athens lost one of the Best and he will be missed.
Judy Eavenson
January 14, 2010
My thoughts and and prayers are with Mr.Jim's family and friends.I had the privaledge to be his dental hygienist for the past few years and enjoyed getting to know him. He will truly be missed! I pray the Lord will give you comfort and treasure your memories.
Annie Fahy
January 14, 2010
Jim Hudson helped me think about the world differently. He gave out a lot of Love to me and others when we felt unlovable. He always said "Get up in the morning and try and do your best. That's all you need to do." My prayers go out to his family and Denise. what lucky ducks we all were to know him.
Heather Jacoby
January 14, 2010
From my family to yours, I send our condolences. Jim was a very dear friend of the family. I had the opportunity to work with Jim in the legal field and assisted him with the home health care of his mother. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this time. God Bless you all
Allen Davis
January 14, 2010
Jamie,
I was sorry to read about your dad passing. What a loss for your family and the people of Athens.
Jimmie Dean
January 14, 2010
I'm a friend of Bill W.,too.
Leila Barrett Case
January 14, 2010
I have fond memories of Jim and Joyce, (his first wife,) when we were all young couples with young, growing children and communicants at Emmanual Episcopal. Jim was a good friend, talented and gifted attorney and fine churchman. God rest his soul.
A. D.
January 14, 2010
Jamie,
I was sorry to read about the passing of your dad. What a loss for your family and the people of Athens.
Bob Turner
January 14, 2010
Like many other students, I had the opportunity to work for Jim as a law clerk during my days at UGA Law School. He was truly an "old-school" trial lawyer and exhibited the highest level of professionalism while still vigorously and zealously representing his clients. Although I learned much from working for him, what I remember most fondly was how kind and generous he was. When I wrecked my car while in school, he "gave" me an old one of his to drive until I graduated and could afford to buy another one. I learned much more about life than just about the practice of law while working for him. I send my condolences to his family and friends.
January 14, 2010
I HAD THE GREAT PRIVEDGE OF LOVING ALL THE PEOPLE THAT JIM LOVED....HE WAS A TRESURED FRIEND, NEIGHBOR..AND GREAT ATTORNEY...HE LOVED WITH HIS WHOLE HEART...HE WAS BRILLANT..HUMOROUS...AND LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST..I WAS TELLING MARYLOU LAST NIGHT...IREMEMBER DRIVING DOWN MILLEDGE...WITH JIM TO GO GET MY CAR...JIM, I LOVE YOU..ALL YOUR CHILDREN HAVE BABY SAT WITH MY CHILDREN...AND ALL HAVE WRECKED MY CARS !!!...WE DIED LAUGHING...HE WAS ATTICUS..A GENIOUS IN THE COURT ROOM...AND WELL AS IN LIFE...I,M SO THANKFUL MY FAMILY HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF LOVING HIM...AND HIS...MARY BETH MCDONALD _FAIN
Amy & Terri Jewels
January 14, 2010
Eleven years ago we opened a jewelry store in Normaltown in Athens, Georgia. On a Saturday morning as he was on his way to breakfast at Normaltown Cafe, Mr. Jim became Jewels very first customer. Being overly excited that we actually sold anything, we forgot to take his check! Being the gentleman he was, Mr. Jim called Jewels later that morning and said, "Baby, y'all girls ain't gonna last too long cause you didn't even take my money". What a guy! You will be missed!
Tap Pearson
January 14, 2010
Papa, thank you for every thing you did for my family and I over the years. You were a great man and you will be truly missed.
January 14, 2010
Binky, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief.
Michelle, Chris and Logan Doster
Lynn Doster-Boyd
January 14, 2010
Elaine,
I was so sorry to hear about your father. He always held a special place in my heart.You are so blessed to have had such a wonderful man to call dad.Please know you are in my prayers.
Annette & Mark Waddell
January 14, 2010
Dear Elaine, We are sorry to hear about the passing of your daddy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Al Templeton
January 14, 2010
Of all my conversations with Jim, I remember one quote in particular. "Baby, you can't generate any memories sitting on the porch."
cathy craft
January 14, 2010
My dear friend...i had the privilege of working for Mr. Hudson. He was one of a kind, a very special man and one who cannot be duplicated. He will be sorely missed... Binky, Elaine and Jamie, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Heaven is a little brighter with him in God's hands.
Annaka Woodruff
January 14, 2010
Dear Elaine - you and yours are in our family's thoughts and prayers.
Valerie Winfrey
January 14, 2010
I met Jim around 1985, as we both were a friend of Bill W. We became very good friends and I considered him one of my closest allies. For those who did not have the opportunity to know Jim... please take my word; he was one of the most gentle and kindest souls this town has ever known and we [Athenians] are blessed to have called him ours. RIP dear friend.
Your Friend,
Val W.
Helen Pelfrey
January 14, 2010
It was always known here in Athens, Ga that if you had Mr. Jim Hudson as your lawyer that you had "The Best." He was indeed a true gentleman who always had a big smile on his face when he met you and never forgot your name. He and his "right hand" Ms. Annette Featherly always met you with a smile when you went into his office. He always made you feel special. He will truly be missed by many and I know he will be me. God speed, Mr. Hudson until we meet again.
Jeff Walker
January 14, 2010
I always loved it when Mr Jim came to judge Gaines Court room. they would talk on and on ,and sometimes made the day longer than it had to be, but I didnt mind.I loved to just listen to the storys those two could tell. Mr Jim was well respected and always well spoken.He was proud of his plane and would spend hours talking about flying to anyone he could. We are all gonna miss you baby, R.I.P
Heather Williams
January 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers to the Hudson Family. Jim was one of a kind and he will be truely missed.
CHARLES BOGGS
January 14, 2010
JIM WAS ONE OF MY GRANDFATHERS BEST FRIENDS (HAROLD HAP BOGGS) AND HE PASSED IN 1978 BUT WHEN I ASKED JIM FOR HELP HE TREATED ME AS IF I WERE HIS GRANDSON. JIM THANKS I ALSO SHARE THE LOVE OF FLIGHT CHARLES BOGGS
Leesa DaCosta
January 13, 2010
It was an honor and a privilege to be one of your caregivers and I will always cherish the special times we shared together. Much love to you Mr. Jim. You will be missed.
Lynn VanWinkle
January 13, 2010
I was one of your caregivers, and I loved you Mr. Jim.
January 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you, all during this time.
Joanna B. Pack, Hendersonville, NC
January 13, 2010
Jim was a good Man & truly a "Southern gentleman". He will be missed. Blessing to Jim's family.
Danny Manus
January 13, 2010
Jim was a good Man & truly a "Southern gentleman". He will be missed. Blessing to Jim's family.
Gary Cool
January 13, 2010
Jim Hudson was one of a kind,one of the last Southern Gentlemen, and one of The Greatest Generation this country has produced.
He was a just and honorable man.
It was my privilege to know him. He was one of the first attorneys I met when I came to the Athens area to begin my Law Enforcement career in 1980,and he befriended me as he did countless others. I will never forget his kindness & courtesy.
Our loss is heavens gain.
God Speed Jim. Rest under the shade of the trees.
Walter Gordon
January 13, 2010
A true giant has fallen. Although we've not connected in the past several years, I will always fondly remember Jim Hudson. I will never forget the significant help he gave me, as a young trial lawyer, in the mid 1970's when I was starting out in private practice in Hartwell. And I will always be grateful for his genuine willingness to help other lawyers with any need, whether it was advise on the law, tips on trial tactics, other professional matters or sound personal advice. He will be truly missed.
January 13, 2010
Dear Elaine,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of such sorrow. We are never ready to let go, but find peace in knowing the legacy he has left behind and the wonderful memories you cherish most. Thoughtfully yours, Judy Bridges
Linda Martin
January 13, 2010
Dear Elaine and Jamie,
Even though I am not there with you in person, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He is in a better place now and no more suffering.
May happy memories be your strength in this time of sorrow.
Love to you and your families,
Linda and the entire Martin family
Debbie Colley
January 13, 2010
Athens has lost the best of the best ! You will be missed by many, Mr. Hudson.
Debbie Colley
Weymon Forrester
January 13, 2010
My first of many trials was back in the 60's, and Jim was opposing counsel. I can't say I learned any law from Jim, but I certainly learned lots about how to be a lawyer. We have been good friends from then to now. He had the knack of making you feel that you were one of his favorite people. I'm sure many others were made to feel that way.
A sad thing about one's passing is the thought of being forgotten. In my book, Jim Hudson was unforgetable!
January 13, 2010
one of the original Athens lawyers; my best goes out to the Hudson family - David Lester
M. Chad Delano-Kessel
January 13, 2010
It has been my utmost fondest childhood memories of getting to know such a talented, kind-hearted man. He was generous in so many ways, especially with donating his time for anyone whom needed it. He had an inner strength about him to give life-long lessons and advise even when you really did not understand how significant. Truly, I have never met anyone so giving and loving. He loved his family very much! Especially his girls. I remember seeing his face light up in their presence. What a legacy he has left behind!
P. Elaine Rattler
January 13, 2010
My mother always spoke very highly of Mr. Hudson and had so much trust in, and respect for, his professional acumen. When I met him, after her passing, he referred to my mom as a long-time friend. I found Mr. Hudson was truly a very nice man.
Don Johnson
January 13, 2010
I met Jim as a close friend and colleague of my father, Clete Johnson, and as a teenager watched them try the famous Lemuel Penn murder case against each other. As a young lawyer and politician, Jim was my loyal friend. He was a great lawyer and a wonderful human being. We will miss his presence among us.
Grace Thornton
January 13, 2010
Dear Elaine, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jean Lammons
January 13, 2010
Jim, I will always miss you and never forget the lessons I learned from you, both as a legal secretary and as a friend of Bill W. What a joy to have known you ....You were truly one of a kind. Your friend always, Jean Green (Lammons), Atlanta, Ga.
Katrina Bowers
January 13, 2010
Binky and family;
Please accept my condolences. Your father was a man of honor and you are blessed to be his greatest living legacies. You only have one "daddy"..and you had the best!
Katrina Bowers
John Chaffin
January 13, 2010
I remember Mr. Hudson fondly from my childhood and teenage years in Athens, and I'm very sorry to learn of his passing. My condolences to all of his loved ones.
Beverly Casey
January 13, 2010
You were the best of the best, Baby. I cannot imagine the Athens legal community without you. You are probably sitting and telling stories with Judge Gaines already! Chris and I will miss you.
See you on the other side, Col.
Beverly Casey
January 13, 2010
You were the best of the best, Baby. I cannot imagine the Athens legal community without you in it. I hope you are telling stories up there with Judge Gaines.
See you on the other side, Col.
Jack Darrell Fortson Sheriff (Ret.)
January 13, 2010
Our prayers are with the Hudson family during your time of loss.
Jim was one of the best lawyers that I ever had the pleasure to watch and listen too in our court room here in Madison County during my tenure as Sheriff.
Jim Hudson will be missed by all his friends.
Jack Darrell and Marian Fortson
Sheriff (Retired)
Madison County
Amanda Summerville
January 13, 2010
Jim was a very fine and gentle man. It was a privilege to have known him. My condolences go to his family and those who loved him in this time of sorrow.
Joe Neal
January 13, 2010
Jim Hudson was my hero and one of the greatest influences in my legal career and my life I worked four years as his runner/law clerk/chaffeur during my college days at UGA in the mid to late 80's Watched him try many cases and help many people He was a KA at Georgia and very proud of it Jim was a living legend in Athens He coached UGA football under Wally Butts He talked me out of walking on at Georgia to play football to work for him Thank God I did He also told me if I wanted to be a trial lawyer, the best thing I could do when I got out of college is to go to work at the DA's office, which I did and was grateful for
My favorite quote of Jim's was "be a hero every chance you get"
And the best advice he ever gave me was "keep on being Joe Neal"
May God rest his soul
He will be missed greatly
His partners David Montgomery and Kenny Kalivoda were undoubtedly blessed to spend their legal careers with Jim as mentor and partner Jim I love you!
You were like a grandfather to me
James C. (Jim) Mercer, Jr.
January 13, 2010
Jim was a long time friend and a truly good man, he will truly be missed. "So long old friend."
Janet Andrews-Epps
January 13, 2010
There isn't enough room to write all the words to describe Mr. Hudson! He was a dear friend to me and my family. He always had time for "I have a quick question Mr. Hudson" which turned into a great conversation. He will be missed. He touched so many lives his memory will be recalled forever.
January 13, 2010
I treasure the good memories of Jim's visits to The Helmstead. What a delightfully caring gentleman. I am saddened to learn of his death. My prayers are with you. Jane Helms (Mrs. Jack Helms, Sr.)
Jeff Helms
January 13, 2010
Jim was a great friend to my father, also a lawyer, and then to me, a young lawyer who needed help often, after my father died. He set a great example for many young lawyers.
Dan Foust
January 13, 2010
Several years ago, Jim and I took one of his airplanes up for a ride, after her learned of my love of aviation. Once airborne, he allowed me to take the controls, and we enjoyed our time flying over northeast Georgia. The afternoon was capped off by Jim taking the controls again and buzzing the home of a judge who lived on Lake Hartwell. What a great memory. I will always consider Jim a friend.
The Roy Meeler Family
January 13, 2010
Jim was a fine man and will surely be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Curtis and Karen V.
January 13, 2010
Mr.Jim will be truly missed. No words here can express our sincere, heartfelt gratitude for what he did for us as a friend of Bill W.
January 13, 2010
Jim was a good friend and one of the best persons I have ever known.
He will surely be missed. Johnny Pritchett ,Bishop Georgia
jim Boggs
January 13, 2010
Jim was A good friend of my father
Harold Boggs and my family. He will be missed
Laurie Vaughn
January 13, 2010
A true Southern gentleman, he will be truly missed!
January 13, 2010
Jim was always a friend and gentleman.We both shared great grandfathers who served together in the civil war.I will miss you my friend .George Garrison
Masie and Eddie Underwood
January 13, 2010
Eddie and I were so saddened to learn of Jim's death. We have both considered him a dear friend for most of our lives. We have fond memories of him...some very amusing and others quite touching. We send our condolences to all of the family. With love Masie and Eddie Underwood, Cartersville, GA.
Wendell & Betty Dawson
January 13, 2010
Jim Hudson was a unique and multi-talented person. He was an excellent lawyer and a real Southern Gentleman.
Jim was a friend to many of us and will be greatly missed.
Jean Almond
January 13, 2010
Jim, will be missed in all our hearts. Jim was a wonderful friend and a wonderful attorney. He always had a smile for everyone he met. May God be with his family and know he's in a better place.
Sharon Smith
January 13, 2010
To the family of Jim:
I met Jim over 6 years ago and he has been very instumental in my life since. I will always remember his smiling face, his jokes, and his kind-hearted way of reaching out to others with unconditional love.
He will be deeply missed but will remain in a special place in my heart forever !
Sincerely,
Sharon S.
Rick Garrett
January 13, 2010
Mr Jim will be missed and remembered by many friends for year to come. Thanks for all the support and advice you gave me.
Doc Eldridge
January 13, 2010
What a guy. No doubt there is a gapping hole in our community today. Condolences to the family. Jim Hudson touched and saved (literally) more lives that most will ever know about. That is just the way he was. We miss him already.
Richard Waters
January 13, 2010
One of the gentlest gentlemen I have ever known...
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